Debbie Fontanini Morlan
April 20, 2017
Deborah Fontanini Morlan, 67, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday, April, 23, 2017 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, April 24, 2017, at St. Anthony's, 15 Indianola Road followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery.
Debbie was born May 2, 1949, in Des Moines, IA, to Sargio and Bernice Fontanini. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1967 and later attended the University of Iowa. Debbie followed in her father's footsteps with a successful career in the food distribution business recently retiring from Hockenberg Newburgh where her co-workers were like family.
Debbie was well known on the south side where she could be seen walking her 10,000 daily steps along Fleur Drive, golfing at Echo Valley, or at any charity event. She had a unique ability to make genuine connections with everyone she met and her grace and generosity will live in their hearts forever.
Debbie had a strong faith. She was a longtime member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church where she was a part of the Altar and Rosary Society and a member of the Catholic Women's League.
Debbie's spirit will live on through her husband of 46 years, Bob, and their sons, Brian and Michael (Lara) and her mother-in-law, Evelyn Morlan. She is survived by her sister, Denise (Jim) Trower, brothers, Greg (Suzie) Fontanini, Chris Fontanini, and John Paul Fontanini. John Paul held a special place in her heart, along with her 9 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sarg and Bernice.
May Debbie live on through your contributions to St. Anthony's School or Christ the King School.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Vicki Docken Theobald
04/22/2017
Bob and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking and praying for all of you during this difficult time.
Nick Leeper & Nicole Sutherland
04/22/2017
I am so sorry to hear about Debbie. Thinking of you and your family.
With Sympathy,
Your nextdoor neighbors
Ron Hill
04/22/2017
Denise, Greg, Chris, Jon Paul and the Morlan family I am so so sorry about your loss. Debbie was such good person her presence will be missed by all. My prayers are with all of you through this very difficult time.
Gina Martin
04/22/2017
I am so sorry to hear about Debbie. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.
Glen & Phyllis Wood
04/22/2017
To Bob and Family, our thoughts & prayers go out to you. We send our Deepest Sympathy!
Harold Nieuwenhuis
04/22/2017
Sorry for your loss I will always have good memorys of Debbie and the Fontanini family My prayers are with you all!
Dick Summy
04/22/2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Morlan and Fontanini family at this difficult time. Debbie was such a kind and caring person. She always had time to give you a smile and say hello when she saw you, she will be missed.
Kathleen McCormick-Maddox
04/22/2017
My memories of Debbie started when we attended SJA together and graduated in 1967. She was always so fun loving. Then later we reconnected when our children were young. I lived on Loomis and Debbie was on the street behind me. Our kids played together. Later our paths separated but we did come together from time to time to remember all the good times we shared. Debbie will be missed by all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Stephanie (Fleisch) Harville
04/21/2017
My deepest condolences, Bob, Brian, Michael, and to your extended family. Which most definitely includes much of the South Side, from Park Ave. to Fleur Drive, running straight to EVCC. Much Love, Steph
Missy Himrich
04/21/2017
Bob, Brian & Michael-- I am deeply sorry for your loss. Debbie always had a smile on her face and was always so friendly and kind when I saw her. It was a blessing to know her--I will miss seeing her at church and other St. Anthony south-side functions. God took one of the best. God bless you all during this difficult time.
Scott Reyes
04/21/2017
Very sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. I always remember a very kind and vibrant person attending many family gatherings and Italian reunions.
My condolences to her family. Prayers go out to all who knew her and we're touched by her. Pleasant memories for you all.
Gary Lathrum and Kristi Tripp
04/21/2017
To all of Debbie's family,
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Debbie was such a kind, genuine person that had a way of making you feel good just being around her. She will be missed by so many. Know that we are here for you and our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you.
Cathy Conklin
04/21/2017
I want to send my deepest sympathy to Bob and the family. Debbie was a one of a kind who will be greatly missed. All of those who know Debbie are shocked and saddened. We lost a true diamond.
Dr. Rico Bertagnolli Family Dentistry
04/21/2017
We would like to send our deepest sympathy to Bob and his family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Dr. Rico,Vicki,Katy and Tiffany
Kelly O'Brien
04/21/2017
The most wonderful woman I had the privilege of having as my mentor and friend. Kind, genuine,and funny to absolutely everyone. The people far and wide heartbroken by her passing is a testament to how amazing she was. She will never be forgotten!