Debra Lynn Van Gundy

Debra “Deb” Lynn Van Gundy, 73, of Perry, passed away at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. 

Her visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Perry Bible Church in Perry. Burial will follow at Woodward Cemetery in Woodward. 

Memorials may be directed to Perry Bible Church or Mid-Iowa Boxer Rescue, P.O. Box 66, Carlisle, IA 50047. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Deb was born on February 10, 1953, in Norfolk, Virginia, the daughter of Donald and Delores (Challands) Holcomb. She graduated from Perry High School with the Class of 1971. Throughout her teen years she worked for her father at Holcomb pharmacy and had many fond memories of her time there. She later attended AIB College of Business, where she earned an associate degree. She worked as an accountant at Signature Flight Service for over 30 years until her retirement. 

On October 14, 1978, Deb married the love of her life, Ronald Van Gundy, at the United Methodist Church in Perry. From this union, they were blessed with two children, Amy and Travis. Deb was a longtime member of Perry Bible Church, where she volunteered in many efforts with the church including bookkeeping and teaching Sunday school. She also volunteered at the Perry Public Library and with after school program for children called Freedom for Youth. 

Deb had a love for flowers, gardening, and her dogs. She enjoyed spending time reading, swimming, and attending plays, musicals, and movies. She was known as a social butterfly and especially looked forward to playing game night each week with her friends. Deb's friendships have always had a very special place in her heart, and their support has been invaluable during her health issues. 

Family vacations were always special to her, and after their children were grown, Deb and Ron especially enjoyed traveling together including their last bucket list trip to Hawaii. Above all, her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren, who meant the world to her.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy Van Gundy (Matt Nerdahl) and their son, Bennett Nerdahl, all of Rochester, Minnesota; her son, Travis (Ashlin) Van Gundy and their son, Liam Betten, all of West Des Moines; her beloved boxer, Ryker; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Delores Holcomb; her husband, Ron Van Gundy; her grandson, Leonidas “Leo” Van Gundy; her stillborn sister, Lori Holcomb; and two brothers, Mark Holcomb and David (Mary Ann) Holcomb.