Deborah “Deb” Dell (Grothen) Wegehoft, a woman whose life was a tapestry of love, intellect, and dedication, passed away at the age of 71 on October 2, 2023. Surrounded by her family, she left this world peacefully at Swedish Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, after a prolonged illness.
Born on November 21, 1951, in Burlington, Iowa, to Marion Jane (Anderson) Grothen and Delbert Marvin Grothen, Deb was the nurturing eldest of three siblings. In 1953, the Grothen family moved to Alliance, Nebraska, the backdrop for Deb’s formative years and a place that would always hold a special place in her heart.
A perennial student at heart, Deb exhibited academic excellence from an early age. Her love for learning was matched only by her passion for music. A multi-talented musician, she played the piano and viola with grace, and her voice was a harmonious addition to any choir. Notably, she was chosen for the All-State orchestra for four consecutive years and was a vital part of the Panhandle orchestra.
Throughout her life, Deb was a woman of action. Whether it was her involvement in 4-H, Speech and Debate, or her role in dramatic productions, she always gave it her all. Deb was a beacon of light, not just in her family but in the community as well. Her service on the Alliance School Board and her lifetime membership at St. John’s Lutheran Church are testaments to her commitment to bettering the lives of those around her.
While her professional journey spanned from railroads to the realm of education, and later finance, each career move was imbued with her signature dedication. In every role, she left an indelible mark, just as she did on the hearts of those who knew her.
Deb’s family was the cornerstone of her life, and her love for pottery was an extension of her nurturing spirit. One of her favorite pottery pieces will serve as her urn, symbolizing her creative soul and eternal presence. Her children, Zachary and Megan, and her grandchildren were the apples of her eye. Her nurturing love and wisdom have been their guiding stars, and her legacy will live on through them.
Deb held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews, as well as their children and families. She relished the simple joys of family dinners, engaging conversations, game nights, and birthday celebrations. A constant presence at the kids’ activities, Deb took immense pleasure in actively participating in their lives.
In her later years, despite battling various health issues, Deb remained optimistic and engaged in her care. Her resilience and grace during these times were awe-inspiring.
A memorial service to celebrate Deb’s extraordinary life will be held on November 18, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent in the care of Jane McConkey for a cause to be designated later.
Deb was a woman of incredible strength, boundless love, and irreplaceable presence. She will be sorely missed but will live on in the stories we share and in the love that lingers in the spaces where she once was.