Debra Lee Hansen

Debra Lee (Fleming) Hansen, 71, passed away Friday, October 20, 2023, at Mercy One hospital in Waterloo, IA.

Deb was born in Waterloo, daughter of Myrl E. and Barbara A. (Romick) Fleming. She married Dean LeRoy Hansen, April 12, 1969 in Traer, IA. Together they started their family on a farm north of Clutier, IA.

Deb began her working career as a customer service representative in the parts and repair department of Sears, Roebuck and Co., Crossroads Mall, Waterloo, where she was gifted many lifelong friends over her 20-year tenure. During this time, she and Dean relocated their family to La Porte City, IA. She owned and operated video stores in both La Porte City and Dysart, IA, which allowed her to gain even more wonderful friendships. Later she worked as the personal shopper at Dillard’s, Crossroads Mall, for 5 years, before joining Homelink, a division of VGM Group, in Waterloo, on March 25, 2002. She celebrated her birthday by retiring from Homelink, November 30, 2018.

Family and friends meant the most to Deb. Early on, she enjoyed traveling with Dean and the kids to Estes Park, CO, and Wisconsin Dells, WI. Later, Deb appreciated catching up with friends over a meal and found immense joy spending time with her kids and grandkids, whether attending Labor Day Family Camp at Hidden Acres Christian Center in Dayton, IA, playing boardgames, card games and putting puzzles together, or attending their many activities, from football, basketball, dance, band performances and play productions. She loved that they kept her busy. Greatest enjoyment was found in baking with all her kids and grandkids, especially during the holidays when the traditional bake-athon would commence.

More than anything Deb is remembered for genuinely making everyone feel special.

Deb is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dean Hansen of La Porte City, IA. Two daughters, Deanna Perkins of Hampton, IA, and Donna (Daryl) Douglass of Waterloo, IA. Three brothers, Paul (Mary Ann) Fleming of Holland, IA, Scott Fleming of Wylie, TX, and Cory (Joann Higham) Fleming of Waterloo, IA. Five grandchildren, Perry (Charlie) Perkins of London, UK, Peyton (Nicholas) Sweerin of Columbia, MO, Dobson (Ellie Spillane) Douglass of Waterloo, IA, Erika Perkins of St. Genevieve, MO, and Daycen (Payton) Douglass of West Des Moines, IA. Two great grandchildren, Woods Sweerin and Wilder Sweerin.

Deb is preceded in death by her father, Myrl E. Fleming and her mother, Barbara A (Romick Fleming) Streittmatter.

 Memorial Gathering: Sunday, November 19, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories, 965 Home Plaza, Waterloo.