Prairie State Wire

Debbie Horn, age 65, of Essex, IL, passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2025, surrounded by her siblings after a brave battle with cancer. Born in Joliet, IL, to Arthur and Marlene Horn, Debbie was a graduate of Reddick High School and Illinois State University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Education. She dedicated herself to teaching in Virginia, IL, and as a teacher's aide in Custer Park before her retirement from USPS in 2018 after 24 years of service. A member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bonfield, Debbie had a love for stamp collecting, tending to flower gardens, watching hummingbirds, and exploring family genealogy. She found joy in spending time on the farm with her family and pampering her nieces and nephews. Debbie's kind, generous nature and selfless love for others touched the lives of many, exemplifying her caring spirit and devotion to her loved ones. She lovingly cared for her mother after retirement. Debbie is survived by her mother, Marlene Horn; sisters Lawanda Maierhofer and Michele Tupper; brothers Bill, Gregory, and Jeffrey Horn; nieces and nephews Mary Anderson, Mike Horn, Jake Wigent, and Megan Horn; and great-niece and great-nephew Lily and Brady Anderson. She was predeceased by her father, Arthur Horn, grandparents Paul and Mildred Armstrong and Henry and Elizabeth Horn, and other aunts and uncles. A visitation for Debbie will be hosted at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Bonfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Zion Lutheran Church, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Uplifted Care of Kankakee, or the Betty Birch Bridgewater Center.

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