Debra Ryan

Debra Ryan, 58, of Decorah, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022, after an aggressive battle with cancer. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at the Big Canoe Lutheran Church rural Decorah, with Rev. Todd Stiles presiding. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at the Big Canoe Lutheran Church - 1381 Big Canoe Rd. Decorah, Iowa 52101 Debra Anne (Gavle) Ryan was born on May 10, 1964, to Burton “Bud” and Kathryn (Heier) Gavle in Decorah, Iowa. She was raised on the family farm, taking great joy in the farm life. She especially loved horses. Debra took ag classes through all four years of high school, and she proudly earned the title of FFA Queen. After graduating from Decorah High School in 1982, she went on to study at Kirkwood College. Debra married Randy Ryan on October 24, 1987, and together they had three children; Ross, Reid, and Rachel. At Ross’ arrival, Debra decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and caring mother. Her children were her greatest source of joy. Debra enjoyed being involved in the lives of her children, whether in the stands at their sporting events or catching up over a meal made with love in her kitchen. In addition to cooking and spending time with her family, Debra enjoyed gardening, knitting, and reading scripture from her bible. She also made many happy memories spending time in Decorah with her father and siblings on Big Canoe Road. Above all, Debra was passionate about sharing her love for Jesus. Her faith was unwavering and she found great comfort in this throughout every high and low during her health battle. Through the sorrow of her passing, we find comfort in knowing Debra was welcomed with open arms into the gates of Heaven to be united with her Savior. Debra is survived by her loving children, Ross (Sarah) Ryan of Altoona; Reid (Amy) Ryan of Forest City; Rachel (Eli) Christiansen of Altoona; father of her children, Randy Ryan; brothers Mark (Wendy Selness) Gavle and Nels Gavle; father Burton Gavle and Emma Thompson; grandchildren Mikah, Malachi, and baby on the way. She was loved deeply by her many aunts and uncles; aunt Karolyn (Ralph) Abbott; uncle Maurice Jr. (Ellen) Heier; uncle Michael (Susan) Heier; aunt Elizebeth (Keith) Knepp; uncle Vernon (Sandra) Gavle; aunts Beverly Gavle and Ruth Ann Pladsen; and many nieces and nephews. A joyous reunion will happen in Heaven as Debra embraces her mother; sister Karen Courtney; uncles Cletus Pladsen, Ronald Gavle, and David Gavle; and aunt Norma (Gavle) Hendrickson.