Debra Ann Morgan

ROCK FALLS – Debra Ann Morgan, age 60 of Sterling, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, January 13 at her home, exactly the way she wanted it to be.

Deb was born on November 20, 1959 in Morrison, the daughter of Donald and Geraldine (Zuidema) Damhoff. She married Michael Morgan on October 23, 1982, at her parents’ home in Morrison, followed by a great celebration at Lake View Country Club where everyone toasted to the Bride and Groom in style before the couple started their journey in life together.

Deb worked at Anixter in Rock Falls and that was how Deb and Mike first met. Deb’s career then took her to National Manufacturing in Sterling, and eventually worked at the new facility in Rock Falls, where she worked until the plant closed. Deb loved her working days and built many long-term friendships at work. After many years in the factory industry, Deb was blessed to spend her time enjoying life with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Deb came from a very strong farming and Dutch family culture. Deb played basketball and was an excellent baton twirler in high school, and as Mike called her, a “Beautiful Little Morrison Filly.” Deb was an avid parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sterling; she was also an active member of The Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge. Deb’s hobbies included: painting ceramics, riding Harleys with Mike and friends, and preparing meals and drinks for anyone and everyone who entered their home.

Deb took over the family tradition of hosting all holiday gatherings, and did so while bringing together members from 3 different families seamlessly. The gatherings always started early and lasted till the wee hours of the following days. No one ever went home with an empty stomach or without a load of take-home goodies.

Deb created an at home atmosphere that was so very welcoming to one and all.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Morgan of Sterling, IL; mother, Geraldine “Deanie” Damhoff of Morrison, IL.; children, Michael Morgan, of Dixon, IL, Teri (Dan) Danreiter of Rock Falls, IL, Maggie (Jody) Young of Rock Falls, IL, Christopher (Johni) of Coosada, AL, Scott (Emily) Morgan of Lakeville, MN, Danielle (Clayton) Bicker of Metamora, IL.; thirteen grandchildren, Sydney, Logan, Conner, Brooke, Kyle, Riley, Kayden, Kara, Brody, Gracie, Briston, Oakley, and Quinn; brothers, David (Becki) Damhoff of Morrison, IL and Richard (Julie) Damhoff of Morrison, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Deb was preceded in death by her father, Donald Damhoff; brother, Douglas Damhoff; father-in-law, Donald Morgan; and mother-in-law, Mary Lavonne Morgan.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Avenue, Rock Falls. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 17 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 600 Avenue B, Sterling, IL 61081, with Monsignor William McDonnell along with the Reverend James R. Keenan, Celebrants. Burial will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sterling, IL.

For online condolences, please visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com