Dr. Debra Anne Welker

Dr. Debra Anne Welker was born into life in Oak Lawn on May 20th, 1963 and the sun has been shining on her ever since. She passed peacefully on April 13th, 2021 at the age of 57. Forever devoted to her loving family & friends; mother Darlene, sisters Janet & Elise, niece and nephews Tabitha, Derek, Theodore & Matthew, brother-in-laws, Bill & Glen. Preceded by her father and grandparents. Early in her life she showed her brilliance always being on the honor roll throughout school. She went to Mother McCauley High school and then continued her education at DePaul University, graduating from Chicago Medical School in 1992. She went on to complete her residency at the University of Kentucky and began her vocation as a Doctor in Iowa. As a hematology and oncology doctor with an additional focus on internal medicine, she dedicated her life to others. It was not just a job for her but a calling in life, her ministry. She was also a long-time hospice volunteer treating her patients as her own family. On the weekends and in her free time, she was always alongside her family. She loved to travel, research & find new recipes to cook, listen to music, art, her cats, specifically, Annie, Rosie & Floyd. Many road trips were spent to Disney where her family would often go, making wonderful memories together. She loved going out to dinner with her family, as well, spending time with her loved ones was really the most important thing in her life. A visitation will be held at 9:30 on Thursday, April 15th at St. Francis of Assisi followed by a mass in her honor at 10:30. She will be buried at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Evergreen Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, alongside her loved ones on Saturday, April 17th. In lieu of flowers, please donate to MercyOne Johnston Hospice Care in Johnston, Iowa where she volunteered for many years. 5820 Winwood Drive, Johnston, IA 50131.