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Michael Debo Obituary
Born: October 14, 1947 in Peru, IL
Died: February 5, 2023 in Peoria, IL
Michael George Debo, 75, of Peru, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 5, 2023 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria after a brief battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at the Mueller Funeral Home, Peru with Rev. Ronald Margherio of St. Bede Abbey officiating. Burial will be private in St. Joseph Cemetery, Webster Park with full military rites conducted by the Peru Veterans Memorial Group. Visitation will be 4-7:00 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.
Michael was born October 14, 1947 at People's Hospital in Peru to George Edward and Anna Margaret (Terando) Debo. He was a graduate of LaSalle-Peru Township High School, Class of 1965 and Illinois Valley Community College. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on April 16, 1968. He left for Vietnam on October 14, 1968, it was his 21st birthday. He was promoted to Sergeant while serving with the Finance Corps of the 9th Infantry Division at Dong Tam, Vietnam.
He married Janice Lynn Franken on January 31, 1970 at St. Joseph's Church in Peru. She preceded him in death on April 5, 2000. Michael and his late brother, Harry owned and operated Debo Ace Hardware in Peru. He retired in 2021 after 60 years in the hardware business.
Michael served as a board member for Peru Grade School District. He was a member of the Peru Merchants Association and the Peru Citizens Service Organization. He was also a strong supporter of Horizon House of Illinois Valley and Lighted Way.
Throughout his life, he was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting trips, including many big game hunting excursions throughout the U.S. and also yearly fishing trips to Pelican Lake in Orr, Minnesota. Later in life, he developed a love for golf and enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with his life partner and best friend, Kay Brannon. Their time together was spent in The Villages, Florida making memories with their many friends and in Peru with their family.
Survivors include his daughters, Gena Debo of Peru and Dana (Brian) Debo-Kuhne of Peru and a son, Matthew Debo of Bozeman, MT; a grandson, Hudson Michael Kuhne; a sister, Lee Ann Hannigan of Peru; three sister-in-laws, Barbara Debo of Peru, Judith Raccuglia of Peru and Linda (Mike) Puchalski of La Salle; his life partner, Kay Brannon of Peru and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janice; a brother, Harry Debo and in-laws, Edward and Thelma Franken.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Horizon House of Illinois Valley, Lighted Way or the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice House in Peoria.
The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Debo
Sponsored by Mueller Funeral Home, Peru.
Rita DeAngelo
February 9, 2023
Sending my deepest sympathy to the Debo family (especially my dear friend Gena), Kay and his many friends.
Lena Ernat
February 9, 2023
Mike was a great person to work for. So very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies. Lena, John, and Margaret Ernat.
joe kotecki
February 8, 2023
very sorry for your loss Mike was a great guy
Jill (Korter) Murphy
February 7, 2023
My thoughts & prayers are with Mike´s family & friends during this most difficult time.
The Class of `65 has lost another special classmate & friend. Mike´s obit certainly reads of a life well lived.
Sincerely,
Jill (Korter) Murphy
Port Charlotte, FL
Jean and Wayne Morgan
February 7, 2023
I´m so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for Kay and his family.
Lola Eato
February 7, 2023
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious loved one. Please remember that God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) The kindest of thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sue Kosciewicz
February 6, 2023
Mike was a great businessman, a true sportsman, and a class act. We shared a love of fishing, the outdoors and travel. I was so fortunate to have shared many laughs, good food, drinks and fishing on countless trips to Pelican Lake with Mike and the rest of the Lasalle-Peru gang. My deepest sympathy to the Debo family. Sue Schweigert-Kosciewicz
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