Debra Rae Werkman

Debra Rae Werkman, 66, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Grundy Care Center in Grundy Center while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. Visitation will be held at Abels Funeral Home on Thursday, September 2 from 5:00-6:00 pm with a memorial service at 6:00 pm conducted by Pastor Jennifer Daniels Schwartz. Abels Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family. Messages of condolences may be left at www.abelsfuneralhomes.com.

Deb was born on July 6, 1955 in Grundy Center, Iowa to her parents Clarence (“Carbo”) and Geneen (Larsen) Heinrich. Deb graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1973. In 1984, she married Jeff Werkman; they later divorced. Deb resided in Grundy County most of her life. Deb worked at United Suppliers in Eldora, Kyle Chevrolet in Parkersburg as one of the first female car salespeople in the state, and at the Grundy Register as Editor, from which she retired.

Deb enjoyed crafts (cross stitch, knit, crochet, card making, scrapbooking), music, sitting in the sun, having coffee with friends, traveling, and family get-togethers. She loved living in the country, dogs and horses, and befriended many feral cats.

Deb is survived by her children, Lisa (Scott) Bienfang of Grundy Center and Cole Werkman of Holland; granddaughter Grace Purvis of Ames; mother Geneen Heinrich of Grundy Center; sisters Laura Aukes of Ames, Sheri Vanche of Fairhope, AL; several aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, grandparents, nephew Klint Heinrich, cousin Peter Iltis, and brother-in-law Wade Aukes.