Deborah Teresa Real

Deborah Teresa (Dieterich) Real, age 73, died Sunday March 24th, 2024. Born June 19th, 1950, in Quincy, IL to William J. Dieterich and Virginia (Robinson) Dieterich.

Deborah attended school in Quincy, IL and graduated from Quincy Senior High in 1968. She was the first female to compete for QHS's rifle team. She was also the first female to attain membership in Quincy High Letterman's Club. In her youth, Deborah was a member of a spelunking group that explored and mapped out local caves. Deborah had a great affinity for animals and received a degree in Animal Husbandry from The University of Missouri in Columbia. Deborah married Boris Real and together they lived in Isla de Margarita, Venezuela for several years. While living on the island she was an avid skin diver and loved swimming in the ocean. Deborah was a great enthusiast of the outdoors and plants. She shared her knowledge and love of nature as a girl scout leader for her daughter's girl scout troop. She was at her happiest when outside, especially while camping, canoeing, or hiking.

Although Deborah had many interests and achievements, what she enjoyed most was spending time with her grandson Mason and daughter Elizabeth. Deborah was a wonderful and caring woman who will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on June 1st from noon to 3:00 at 2630 Springlake Rd. in Quincy, IL.

Deborah is survived by her daughter Elizabeth (Real) Ericson and grandson Mason Ericson.

Deborah was preceeded in death by her parents, William J. Dieterich and Virginia (Robinson) Dieterich, and her sisters, Stephanie (Dieterich) Hetzel and Kathryn (Dieterich) Rurup, and brother-in-laws, Richard Hetzel and Leo Rurup.