JANET C. DEBBAN
Funeral Services for Janet C. Debban was held on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Kenton Birtell officiating. Private Family Interment followed at the Elwood Cemetery, Elwood, Nebraska. The funeral service for Janet was live streamed via the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Facebook page at HYPERLINK “https://www.facebook. com/Mt-Calvary-LutheranChurch-109006532511492” https://www.facebook. com/Mt-Calvary-LutheranChurch-109006532511492
Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services and Gatherings will be followed. Janet’s family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend the services, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.
Janet Claire (Wortman) Debban, 85 years of age, passed very peacefully on December 1, 2020, at Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege. She was born on June 6, 1935, the only child of Alfred and Neta (Fastenau) Wortman, at home in rural Gosper County, Nebraska, near Smithfield, Nebraska. Janet was baptized on June 23, 1935 at Hope Lutheran Church, in rural Smithfield, and later confirmed on December 25, 1948 at Hope Lutheran Church.
When Janet was only eight years old, her father passed away on February 24, 1944. After her father’s death, her mother, Neta, decided to go to beauty school to support them. Janet first stayed with her Aunt Marie and Uncle R.T. Hanson in Lexington, Nebraska. Later, they decided she should go the school in Hastings to be closer to her mom. Janet and Neta moved to Elwood in 1947, after Neta had finished beauty school. They opened a beauty shop on the second floor of the Home Bank. They lived in an apartment along with the shop. In high school, Janet worked at the theater and kept books for Lawrence Hanson. She graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1952. Janet began teaching at District #3 Robb School, in Gosper County, in the fall of 1952. The next fall she taught at District #4.
She married Larry Debban on June 14, 1953, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood. To this union, five children were born: Cheryl Lynn, Steven Larry, Terry Alan, Kimberly Kay, and Dee Ann. On January 1, 1961, Janet, Larry, and their family, moved to Holdrege. After most of her children were in school, Janet went to work for Dannull Motors. Later, she worked in the Phelps County Treasurer’s Office and then the Holdrege Coop. Janet purchased the Fashion Crossroads dress shop, which later changed to Fashion Affair. Janet retired from the Co-op in 1997.
Janet was an active member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. She enjoyed playing cards, and watching sporting events. She and Larry enjoyed traveling after their retirement. They spent a month each summer in Alaska, visiting Terry when he lived there. She was always interested in anything her children, grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren were involved. “Grandma Debban” was always a favorite with the kids, even those who weren’t really related to her.
Janet was preceded in death by: her husband; her parents; and daughter, Kim Soderholm.
Janet is survived by her children: Cheryl Taft and her husband, Dale of Elwood; Steve Debban and his wife, Terrie of Kearney, Nebraska; Terry Debban of Funk, Nebraska; Dee Steinshouer and her husband, Russ of Holdrege; son-in Law, Tom Soderholm of Kearney; eight grandchildren: Derek Taft and his wife, Amy of North Platte, Nebraska; Drew Taft and his wife, Melissa of Hastings, Nebraska; Brett Debban and his wife, Ashley of Lincoln, Nebraska; Zach Debban of Omaha, Nebraska; Brad Soderholm of Kearney; Jason Steinshouer and his wife, Kerissa of Elkhorn, Nebraska; Joni Collins and her husband, Rye of Waverly, Nebraska; Lance Steinshouer and his wife, Dani of Holdrege; nine greatgrandchildren: Brianna, Billy, Violet, Jaxson, Isaac, Avery, Kasyn, Kenneth, and Kamryn; along with extended family and friends.
Visitation was held on Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. at the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege. Face coverings will be required to enter.
A memorial has been established in Janet’s honor and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at HYPERLINK “http:// www.nelsonbauerfh.com” www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.
