Debra Wadden

Debra Wadden, 71, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

She was born on August 30, 1954, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Frank Schmoldt Jr. and LaVon Marie Testman.

Debra was the oldest of three children. She shared a special bond with her younger brother, Craig, and younger sister, Linda, and was always willing to help and support them throughout their lives. A lifelong resident of Keokuk, Debra was proud to call the community her home.

Debra dedicated many years of her working life to Sheller Globe and later served as teachers associate at Keokuk High School, where she touched the lives of many students and coworkers.

Debra married Tom Wadden on June 25, 1987, and together they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

Debra’s greatest passion in life was her family, along with her deep love and devotion to Jesus Christ. She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a faithful and devoted member who found great joy in serving others. She often spoke of having not only her family, but also her “church family,” and she treasured the many friendships and relationships she developed through her faith.

Debra had a special gift for making every place she lived feel like home. She created welcoming spaces where others felt safe, loved, and accepted. She had a generous heart and was quick to embrace others as family. Many people were blessed by the love and kindness she freely shared. She would say what she thought, always had an opinion and was stubborn to her last breath.

Her family was her greatest joy. She devoted countless hours to her children, grandchildren, and later her great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable happiness. Her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was watching her children grow, become parents, and later grandparents themselves. She was incredibly proud of the family they built and adored each and every one of them.

Debra loved spending time on the Mississippi River with family and friends. During the summer months, weekends were often spent enjoying the boats they owned and giving rides to loved ones up and down the river. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, game shows, movies, reading, and learning new things throughout her life. Debra loved to cook, and preparing meals for others was one of the many ways she showed her love and care for her family and friends.

Debra had a wonderful sense of humor and was never afraid to laugh at herself. She enjoyed sharing stories about her own goofs and adventures, always finding humor and joy in everyday moments. She looked for the good in others and brought warmth and positivity wherever she went.

Debra was a fighter until the very end. She endured many trials throughout her life but never gave up. Her greatest fear was leaving the family she loved so deeply, but the love, faith, and memories she created will continue to live on through them.

Debra was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents; her parents, Frank Schmoldt Jr. and LaVon Marie Testman; one grandson; and one great-grandson.

She is survived by her loving husband, Tom Wadden of Keokuk; her children, Shawn Mueller (Christine) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Melissa Law (Ira) of Keokuk, and Sara Wadden (Robin) of Keokuk; her brother, Craig Schmoldt (Ann) of Menifee, Arkansas; and her sister, Linda Vargas (Rick) of Independence, Missouri. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jarin Muller, Danielle Garcia, Kendall Woolf, Austin Almon, Hailey Steinke, Madison Steele, Parker Mueller, Hana Skog, Jaelyn White, Abigail Mueller, and Ada Wood; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Debra will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her devotion to family, her welcoming spirit, her kindness, her humor, and the countless lives she touched through her love and service.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Keokuk, with the family greeting friends during that time. Burial will be held following the visitation at the Scandinavian Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.