Debra Joan Glunz

She was born on November 26, 1961 in Sterling, IL to Richard and Joan (Schrader) Brown. Debbie entered her first marriage to Doug Vedas in 1979. Together they welcomed their son, Jeffrey. Debbie was a fiercely devoted and loving mother for the remainder of her life. She married John Glunz on December 15, 2012, in Pekin, IL becoming a stepmother to Emily and Nathan.

Debbie is survived by her husband, John Glunz, her mother, Joan Brown, her son, Jeffrey Vedas, all of Pekin, IL; 1 brother, Kevin Brown of Toney, AL; 2 sisters, Lori Brown of Pekin, IL and Jennifer (Dennis) Dipple of Scottsdale, AZ; step-daughter, Emily Glunz of River Forest, IL; step-son Nathan Glunz of Peoria, IL; 3 step-grandchildren, Alexander, Olivia and Arlo; and 1 niece, Elizabeth (Steve), 1 nephew, Conrad, and 1 great niece, Averi.

She was preceded in death by her father; 1 sister, Patricia Brown; 1 brother, Douglas Brown; and 1 step grandson, Jonah Glunz

Debbie started her career in the Lab at Pekin Internal Medicine. Later, she held multiple positions at the American Red Cross. Following several promotions, she retired as Facilities Director in 2018.

Debbie had a gentle spirit and a kind heart that drew people to her, especially children and babies. If you were fortunate enough to call her friend, you could be sure she had your back.

Her adventurous spirit and athleticism allowed her to take up golf, pickleball and trail running as an adult. She enjoyed playing board games and card games, traveling, attending music festivals, and going to concerts.

She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and a devout Green Bay Packers fan, having made the required pilgrimage to Lambeau Field.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in 2022 was never quite able to quiet her genuine laugh or dim the smile that lit her entire face. Initially, she and John continued to travel visiting family and friends, making the most of Debbie’s dwindling time and creating memories for those who loved her. When travel was no longer an option, Debbie was blessed to have a caregiver, Brooke Litwiller, who quickly became a dear friend. Together they visited coffee shops, sat by the pool, shopped, and ate out, filling Debbie’s days with joy and laughter.

Debbie’s life was shorter than it might have been, but it was a full life, filled with the love and laughter of family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory, 500 North Fourth Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A funeral will be held at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory, 500 North Fourth Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Share Closet, 227 S Sampson Street, Tremont, IL 61568 or to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, 2200 Cabot Drive, Suite 460, Lisle, IL 60532.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com