Deborah Hartwig

Debbie Hartwig, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on August 5th, 2024, at Iowa River Hospice. She was 73. Debbie is survived by her husband Gene, son Daniel, daughter-in-law Katja, and dog Lucy.

Debbie was born in 1951 to Lois (née Ewalt) and Robert (“Smoke”) Dickey of Green Mountain, Iowa. Her two brothers, Mike and Jerry, preceded her in passing.

Debbie graduated from Green Mountain Independent High School in 1969 and the Professional Business Institute in Minneapolis in 1970. She worked in the pathology lab at the Marshalltown Area Community Hospital for four years and later as a house cleaner for 15 years. Debbie also volunteered in a variety of ways, including at Anson Elementary School and as a Marshalltown High School Booster Club member.

Debbie always put her family first and set an example of good works. A favorite quotation that captured her way of thinking and being, was by Winston Churchill: “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Debbie gave back in many ways, including visiting nursing home residents, helping neighbors, and caring for family members. A lifelong animal lover, she also adopted many dogs over the years, providing a loving home and endless treats. Her true calling, though, was being a mother; whether it was reading, encouraging problem-solving, or always being there, Debbie modeled curiosity, commitment, and, most importantly, love.

Debbie was fortunate to foster long-standing friendships with her Green Mountain community, including Linda Verink White, whom she met in the third grade and became best friends with, as well as those she met later in life, including Barb Hand, whom she met working in the Marshalltown High School cafeteria. She and her friends nurtured and supported each other through thick and thin, through good times and bad.

A recent cherished memory of hers was seeing James Taylor in concert in Des Moines in 2021. Befitting his song, “Shower the people,” Debbie certainly took these lyrics to heart:

“Shower the people you love with love

Show them the way that you feel

Things are gonna be much better, if you only will.”

Per Debbie’s wishes, no services will be held. She will be cremated and laid to rest in her family plot in the Green Mountain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, should you wish to honor her memory, please consider a donation to AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport.

-lovingly written by the family