Debra Kay Modlin

Debra Kay was born to Ivan and Alice (Kelly) Schmedding on June 28, 1954, in Sioux City, IA.  She grew up on a farm outside of Winnebago, NE.  Her family attended St. Augustine Catholic Church in Winnebago, NE where she was baptized and confirmed.  She attended country school while young and graduated from Walthill Public School in 1972.  She graduated from Wayne State College in 1993 with a bachelor's degree and completed her Master's degree in Education in 2003.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s and St. Augustine Catholic Churches and active in the Altar Society.   She was an employee of Walthill Public School for over 30 years, serving on numerous committees during her employment.   Her love for children is evident in the impact that she had on anyone lucky enough to be in her 4^th grade classroom.  She loved when former students would stop by to say hello and always made an effort to chat with them when she saw them outside of school.  Though she retired in 2020, she continued to cherish the title of Mrs. Modlin.  

Debra met Stanley, the love of her life, while cruising the streets of Walthill.  She had seen his picture in the paper before this and circled it.  Stan asked her to marry him on their third date and he kept at it until she gave in.   On September 8, 1972, Debra and Stan were united in marriage at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Walthill, NE.   Soon their love story was joined by five children: Bradley, Jason, Melissa, Wesley, and Jarrod.  They made their home outside of Winnebago and filled it with love and memories.

Her greatest joy was her family.  Being a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was what she cherished most.  She was the proudest cheerleader, the most caring listener, the greatest advice-giver, and the most loving presence for her family.  She loved to spend grandma days with her grandchildren and each one received a special handmade quilt when they were born.  Debra and Stanley loved to spend endless hours together in their gardens, canning, and tending to her beautiful flowers.  

Debra is survived by the love of her life, Stanley; her mother, Alice Schmedding; her children and their families, Bradley (Devin) with children Presley & Brady of Bakersfield, CA; Jason (Amy) with children Karrena, Raegan, Ryan, & Reed of Dakota City, NE; Melissa Johnson with children Justice, Jaxon, & Grace of Bancroft, NE; Wesley (Ashley) with children Logan, Landon, Luke, & Brooklyn of Omaha, NE; Jarrod (Allison) with children Brett & Bryce of Omaha, NE; and her great-grandson Dawson.

She was preceded in death by her father; two brothers, Charles Alvin and Eugene; and her granddaughter, Elizabeth Rose.