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
Katie Kenneally McLenaghan
04/21/2017
Dearest Bob, Brian and Michael, I am absolutely heartbroken. Know that you are in my heart today and in the days ahead. Debbie was a truly beautiful woman and genuine soul. She always had kindness and a hug for me whenever I ran into her on my visits back home and I always loved seeing her. I also enjoyed staying in touch with her via messages on social media and I was so thrilled that you all got to spend some time together this past winter in California. I send my love to all of you from Chicago and will be praying for you. Love, Katie
Sue DeFino Dose
04/21/2017
Bob and family, I was so saddened to learn of Debbie's sudden passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and her entire family.
Toni Eilbert
04/21/2017
Bob & family, sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy. Never saw Deb without a smile on her face! She will be missed. Prayers for all of you!
Marylee Kelly
04/21/2017
She was beautiful inside and out. My thoughts and prayers to Bob, Brian, and Michael along with her siblings and extended family.
Mike Diers
04/21/2017
Bob, Brian, & Michael -- you all are in my deepest thoughts and prayers! Debbie was a one-of-a-kind and very special woman who will be missed deeply by so many family and friends!
Debbie Kline
04/21/2017
Very sad to hear about Debbie. She was such a wonderful person to know! So sorry for your loss to the whole family.
Susie Gunia
04/21/2017
Bob, It saddens me to hear about Debbie. My prayers go out to you and your love ones.
Tom and Christy Bierley
04/21/2017
So very sorry to hear about Debbie, Bob. Our sympathy to you and your family.
Fred Hale
04/21/2017
My most sincere condolences to Bob, Brian, and Michael, and all the family.