Deb Spiegel

Debra Leona Spiegel was born on May 26, 1956, the daughter of Morris and Judy (Wacheldorf) Riley in Iowa City, Iowa. She received her education from Maple Valley High School.

On July 16, 1976, Debra was united in marriage to Richard Spiegel in Onawa and were blessed with two sons. Around that same time, she was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hanover Township near Charter Oak, where she remained a member throughout her life.

The couple made their first home on a farm west of Ricketts, where Debra quickly settled into the busy life of a farm wife. Alongside raising her family, she worked hard to keep the household running smoothly while also pitching in with farm responsibilities. She could often be found helping with chores, tending to hogs, or driving meals out to the fields during long days of planting and harvest. She took pride in keeping a tidy home and was well known for preparing warm, home-cooked meals that brought her family together at the end of each day. In 1983, Debra and Richard moved to their current home, where they continued to raise their family. Deb’s greatest joy was being a mother.

In addition to her devotion to her family, Deb was an active member of the church ladies group, where she helped prepare food for funerals and other gatherings. She had a creative spirit and enjoyed crafting, often finding unique items at garage sales and thrift stores that she would transform into something new. She also enjoyed shopping on QVC for special finds. A loyal fan of women’s basketball, Debra especially loved following Caitlin Clark, cheering her on while she played for the Iowa Hawkeyes and continuing to root for her with the Indiana Fever. In her younger years, Debra and Richard shared many fun times bowling together.

Debra also found comfort and companionship in her beloved dog, Joey. He was her faithful companion, always by her side, and brought her much joy. Losing Joey after Richard’s passing was especially difficult for her, as he had been such a source of comfort during that time.

Deb passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 69 years, four months and 11 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard Spiegel; sister, Connie Teel; and brother, Kevin Riley.

Deb is survived by her two sons: Ryan (Tina) Spiegel of Ankeny and Christopher (Emerald) Spiegel of Urbandale; granddaughter, Reese Spiegel of Iowa City; her grandcat, Mona; siblings: Mike Riley of Onawa, Larry Riley of Yukon, Oklahoma, Barb (Roger) Bainbridge of Mapleton, Sandy (Tina) Burke of Mapleton and Mark (Tina) Riley of Onawa; brothers-in-law: Mark (Linda) Spiegel of Charter Oak and Gary Teel of Whiting; sisters-in-law: Lori (Dennis) Mozer of Sioux City and June Riley of Mapleton; many other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2024, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Charter Oak. Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hanover Township near Charter Oak with interment to follow in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Hanover Township. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hanover Township near Charter Oak.