Deborah Gerhard, 65, of St. Donatus, Iowa, passed away peacefully on May 7th, 2025, surrounded by her family and close friends.

There will be a celebration of life where friends and family can join to celebrate Deborah’s life and share stories. The location and date are to be announced. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

She was born on July 2nd, 1959, in Marshalltown, Iowa to Jake and Agnes Stoddard. Deborah lived a life that centered around her family and making her grandkids smile. She loved horses and taking her grandkids to The National Western Stock Show in Denver. Deborah spent most of her life between Iowa and Colorado, two places that she loved. In Iowa, Deborah enjoyed the Mississippi River and boating with friends and family, particularly stopping at Massey Station. In Colorado, Deborah loved spending time with her four grandchildren. Trips to the Rocky Mountains: visiting Loveland Pass, Steamboat Springs, Lake Dillon, Copper Mountain, Winter Park or anywhere she could find live music. She touched the lives of everyone she met, her quick wit, sense of humor and smile were contagious. She lived life gracefully with comfort, hope, and reassurance of God’s love and presence. Deborah spent her career as a massage therapist and phlebotomist. She enjoyed volunteering at The Children’s Hospital of Colorado, helping anyway she could bring a smile to others.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Gerhard, their sons, Nick Gerhard (Rhiauna Happold) Logan Gerhard (Denise Gerhard) and her grandchildren; Evelyn Gerhard, Ava Gerhard, Brayden Gerhard and Jayden Happold. Jake and Agnes Stoddard predeceased her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or Children’s Hospital of Colorado www.childrenscolorado.org

Deborah will be deeply missed by everyone blessed to call her family or a friend.