Debra S ""Debbie"" Walentosky

Debra Sue Haskenhoff was born December 30, 1958, in Sumner, Iowa. Being the first child for Herman and Ruth Haskenhoff (first grandchild for Adam and Nellie Potratz; 4th grandchild for Fred and Martha Haskenhoff), Debbie was enthusiastically welcomed. Faith in God has always been central to Deb's family AND to Debbie, herself. Debra was christened and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner, Iowa. She was educated in the Sumner Schools, graduating from Sumner Community High School in 1977. Deb went to further her education at Sioux Falls College (now University of Sioux Falls), graduating in 1981 with her BA. For several years, Deb worked at the Sumner Swimming Pool as pool manager, lifeguard and swim instructor. In 1981 she moved to Colorado where she worked as a nanny, swim instructor, 'crafts' consignments, receptionist (at Intracorp, Sloan's Lake and Janus Funds Investment), as well as selling Avon. God brought Joseph Michael Walentosky into Deb's life in Denver, CO. Joe and Deb married October 8, 1995. Debbie LOVED family and took her role of ""Big Sister"" seriously; she forged an artistic path for her siblings, Denise and Daniel, to follow. As Debbie grew, so did her innovative ability…she got baking, craft and sewing lessons from both grandmothers as well as her mom. This creative influence motivated a LOVE for: • Children – especially her nieces and nephews (but any child she was babysitting!) • Family and friends – she was a loyal friend • Teaching– swimming, music or crafts • Arts and Crafts (crochet, bead work, sewing clothes & costumes and travel bags) • Ladybugs – from an early age, Deb loved ladybugs – their design, color & shape!! • Dachshunds – (in fact, she & Joe accepted Scooter, Genesis and Asia as their ""kids""!!) Deb was a creator – she could make most anything she put her mind to! Like, weaving a basket large enough for her first nephew's new toys OR designing her young cousins Hallowe'en costumes. Thru the years she has shown how to overcome and adapt – regardless of the situation. From hip surgery in junior high to thyroid cancer in her 20s to her on-going battle with the complications of diabetes, Debbie fought on and Joe was right by her side, helping and supporting n the various ways he could. On Wednesday, November 18, 2015, Debbie passed away in Denver, Co. She was fifty six years old. Debbie will be missed by her husband, Joseph Walentosky of Denver, Colorado; two siblings, Denise (John) Poland of Peoria, Illinois, and Daniel (Tina) Haskenhoff of Sumner; four nieces and nephews, Laura (Tim) Remus, Benjamin Poland, Andrew (Dani) Haskenhoff, and Kellie Poland; three great nieces and nephews, Miranda, Eric and Camden; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Debbie was welcomed into heaven by her grandparents, her parents and Jesus. Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 25, 2015, at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 S Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80246. There will also be a Visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Sunday, November 29 and the Funeral Service 11:00 AM Monday, November 30 both at St. John Lutheran Church, Sumner, IA; these arrangements by Becker-Milnes Funeral Home, 111 W. 5th St. Summer, IA 50674, phone: 563-578-3451. Please share your memories of Debbie with her family by visiting the Guestbook link below