On January 1, 2025, Deb Markert passed away at the age of 59 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She fought with strength and grace for four years, always maintaining her faith, spirit, and dignity.

Deb was born March 20, 1965, on the Fort Jackson Army Base in Columbia, South Carolina, to Pete and Brenda Peterson, she was the oldest of four—sister to Natalie, Chris, and Aaron. She spent her early childhood in Roland, Iowa, before moving to Manson, Iowa, where she graduated high school. Deb was very active in school, playing basketball, softball, participating in musicals, show choir, band, jazz band, drill team, and cheerleading.

After high school, Deb attended Westmar University on a music scholarship for a semester before moving to Fort Dodge to attend beauty school. Upon completing beauty school, Deb became a recruiter for LaJames International College, where she discovered her love for the school atmosphere and her desire to be an educator. She later earned her degree in Education and a master’s in administration from Iowa State University—Go Cyclones!

In 1988, Deb married her high school sweetheart, Doug. They began their life together in Des Moines, then after several years moved to Ankeny and later Polk City, where they spent the last 20 years. Together, they raised three children: Reghan, Sydney, and Cameron. Deb was also a proud grandmother to two boys, August and Otto Deck.

Deb’s career as an educator spanned over 30 years in the Des Moines Public Schools, including Goodrell Middle School, Hoyt Middle School (twice), and East High School. Teaching was more than a profession for Deb; it was her passion. Her love for her students and their education went far beyond the classroom. She was dedicated to helping shape young minds and truly making a difference in their lives. Deb loved to lead and mentor, creating friendships along the way.

A true community servant, Deb was involved in countless activities and causes. When her kids were young, she coached soccer, taught religious education, and led Vacation Bible School at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart (OLIH). She was deeply involved in North Polk School District, volunteering for proms, running the NP Dance Team for 10 years, and serving on school board committees. Deb was also a fixture at Polk City’s Four Seasons Festival, where she ran the Bill Riley Talent Show for 10 years, passing the torch just this past year. Cancer never stopped her. She also volunteered for the Iowa Dance Theater’s Nutcracker production for 10 years.

Deb loved to entertain and host gatherings, and she was known for her baking. No one ever left her house without eating, whether they were hungry or not. A creative soul, Deb had many talents—she played piano, crafted, mastered calligraphy, sang, and danced. She had a knack for organizing and leading, and she made every moment fun and memorable. Deb’s strength, strong will, big heart, and ability to form deep friendships will be remembered by all who knew her. Her capacity for love was remarkable.

Above all, Deb was family-oriented. She cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She was a sports mom through and through—driving her kids to countless practices, never missing a game or a dance performance. Her motto was always "family first," and she made sure to spend time with the people who mattered most. From family vacations to dinners, being together was everything to her.

Deb was preceded in death by her brother, Chris Peterson; her father, Pete Peterson; her father-in-law, Butch Markert; and her grandparents, Lyall and Lavon Brown and Carl and Ida Peterson.

Deb is survived by her husband Doug; her children, Reghan (Patrick) Deck, Sydney, and Cameron; grandsons August and Otto Deck; her mother, Brenda Peterson; her sister, Natalie (Tim) Rolow; her brother, Aaron (Julie) Peterson; her mother-in-law, Carrie Markert; in-laws Steve (Chris) Markert, Sister Regina, Connie (Matt) Peters, and Danna Rae (Brett) Snell; 25 nieces and nephews; and 12 great-nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 E. 1st St., Ankeny, Iowa). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, also at the church, followed by a luncheon. There will be a private burial for family at a later date.

In lieu of gifts, you can make a memorial donation for Pancreatic Cancer or Alzheimer’s research.

Visitation

Jan

6

Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church

510 E. 1st St
Ankeny, Iowa 50021

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Mass of Christian Burial

Jan

7

Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church

510 E. 1st St
Ankeny, Iowa 50021

10:30 AM