died Sunday evening (June 29, 2014) in A.J. Merrick Manor, Fremont.
Debbie was born April 12, 1944 in Lincoln, NE to George and Georgia (Everett) Kiffin and grew up primarily in Lincoln, graduating from Southeast High School in Lincoln in 1962. She graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Social Sorority. She then worked for the American National Red Cross as a recreation supervisor in military hospitals, living in Texas, Missouri, and Japan. She returned to Lincoln and served as a sorority housemother while earning her Masters of Social Work in 1975. She moved to Fremont that year and was the Director of Medical Social Work at the Fremont Area Medical Center (now Fremont Health), a position she held for 27 years. During her tenure at the hospital she developed the Home Health Care and Hospice Department and also developed the Organ and Tissue Donation Program and the Ethics Committee and Program. She retired in July of 2001.
On November 4, 1978, Debbie married Richard T. Peterson. She and Dick met when they both served on the Dodge County Board of the American Red Cross. They both served for many years and volunteered in disasters, bloodmobile, and emergency contact with military families. They both served as Chapter Chairmen. Debbie served as Chairman from 1980 to 1984. She also served on regional committees and was the chairperson for a Bi-state Red Cross Council for Nebraska and South Dakota in the 1990's. She also taught several para social work classes nationally for the American Red Cross. Debbie was a member of the Fremont Altrusa Club and was a volunteer at Fremont Area Medical Center.
Survivors: husband Richard 'Dick'
3 daughters Pat and husband Kent Giesselmann of Scribner
Kim and husband Matt Sacco of Fremont
Sharon and husband Jerry Lind of Ogallala
6 grandchildren Matt Giesselmann and Jessica Walsh
Eric Lind and Alex Lind
Brianna Sacco and Logan Sacco
3 great grandchildren
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, and 2 grandchildren, Ashlea Sukstorf and Natalie Sacco.
The funeral service will be 1 PM Thursday (July 3, 2014) at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel. The committal will follow in Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln. Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary will be 2 to 8 PM Wednesday with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 PM. Memorials are suggested to Fremont Health Hospice (formerly FAMC Hospice), American Red Cross, or the University of Nebraska Foundation.
online guestbook @ www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(8)
Tim & Sue Theep
Milwaukee, WI Saturday, July 19, 2014 We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend Debbie. Debbie and Dick are like family to us. She was a truly wonderful person & took great pride in showing Nebraska off to us. We love you and will miss you always. Live on in Jesus' loving hands.Marilyn and Dan Jirovsky
Fremont, NE Wednesday, July 2, 2014 Dick and family, We are so sorry for your loss.Take comfort in knowing how much you shared, wonderful memories of happy times that will last a life time.We will miss her! our deepest sympathies God Bless. Let us know if there's anything we can do for you. Dan and Marilyn JirovskyRosalie Hoffman Lurth
Minnetonka, MN Wednesday, July 2, 2014 Prayers and Loving thoughts to Debbie and her family at the news of her death from loving service. My memories are those of Debbie and her devoted Mother, especially in those years of maturing, as neighbors. God Bless You, We Love You, Peace Be Still.Dawn Landholm
Fremont, NE Wednesday, July 2, 2014 We are so sorry for your loss. Debbie was such a wonderful person and we enjoyed working with her when she was at FAMC. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Sincerley Dawn, Teresa and CIndy, A.J. Merrick Manor Resident lIfe Dept.Linda Glenda and Pam
Youngtown and Glendale, AZ Tuesday, July 1, 2014 We are so soryy to hear about Debbie- you are all in our thoughts and prayers- all 3 of us girls are living in arizona- we have so many good memories of all of you! Linda, Glenda and PamJean Mikoloyck
Omaha, NE Tuesday, July 1, 2014 Dick and family,So sorry to hear Of Debbie's passing. She will be missed, God give you peace.
vince oconnor
fremont, NE Tuesday, July 1, 2014 Condolences to the family on your loss of a true professional ...and a wonderful personSharon Munger Prell
Derby, KS Tuesday, July 1, 2014 I'm so sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. She was one of a kind. Prayers go out to her loved ones.