Debra “Debbie” L. Gudeman, 67, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at her home in Watseka. She was born on September 12, 1956 in Watseka, the daughter of Henry E. and Jewell R. (Cox) Eilts. She married David Gudeman in Watseka on October 18, 1980.

 

Surviving are her husband, David Gudeman of Watseka; her son, Nicholas Gudeman (Jared Feldman) of Chicago; one sister, Pam Eilts (Dana Parker) of Zephyrhills, FL; David’s sisters and brothers: Sara Melton, Esther Andreas, John Gudeman, Alfred Gudeman, Judy Edelman, Edna Cluver, Dan Gudeman, Leah Joy-Oberg, Jean Robra and Aldine Blunier.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her paternal grandparents, Henry and Anna Eilts; her maternal grandparents, Noel and Ethel Cox; uncle, Robert Cox; brother in laws, Joseph Gudeman, Samuel Gudeman, and Paul Andreas; and sister in law, Mary Gudeman.

 

Debbie graduated from Watseka Community High School in 1974 and Kankakee Community College in 1982 with an associate’s degree. She started working at Watseka First National Bank in Watseka as an intern her senior year of high school. She also worked at the Watseka Swimming Pool concession stand, Onarga Dairy Queen, and Meyer Insurance Company. Debbie first worked at Watseka First National and then later at First Trust and Savings Bank in Watseka where she worked for many years. She loved working at both banks with her many co-workers and customers over her fifty plus years in banking. She was a Longaberger Consultant and ran a carpentry and rental business with her husband.

 

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Roy Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

 

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Memorials may be made to Unit 9 Academic Foundation.