Deborah "Debbie" Jean Lautner

Deborah “Debbie” Jean Lautner, age 77, passed away peacefully on September 25th, 2026, surrounded by her family. Debbie was deeply loved and leaves behind a lifetime of stories, extraordinary experiences, and memories that will be treasured by all who knew her.

Debbie was born on October 26, 1948, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Ronald E. and Violet P. (née Cherry) Clough. Her life took her far beyond her Iowa beginnings. She lived in 15 different states and also spent time traveling around Asia in the mid-1970s, where her adventures included jet skiing with snakes in Singapore. She embraced life with independence and a willingness to always try something new and had a way of enjoying herself no matter where she went, always finding fun along the way and making the most of life at every turn.

Debbie’s independent spirit was most evident in her working life. One of her first jobs was as a Bunny at the Playboy Club in Detroit. During her time in Los Angeles, she waitressed at an upscale lunch club in Beverly Hills frequented by matinee idols and starlets. Los Angeles is also where she owned and operated her own foreign auto parts company, and she took enormous pride in being one of the first women in the United States to sell foreign oil and air filters.

Wherever she went, at home or abroad, she fearlessly forged her own path, and the many chapters of her remarkable life are a testament to her adventurous spirit.

For all the places she had been, Debbie found immense joy in the everyday things. She loved cooking and baking, sharing good food, and gathering around the table for a game of Double Pinochle, Phase 10, or Farkle (and it will come as no surprise that she was quite a card shark). A proud dog mom throughout her life, Debbie cherished her dogs and the companionship they brought her. She knew how to have a good time and blessed her family and friends with memories they will continue to share with affection and laughter.

Debbie loved to shop and was always impeccably dressed for every occasion, never afraid to be the sparkle in the room. Her collection of clothes and shoes deserved a space of its own, and in true Debbie fashion, she devoted an entire room to her wardrobe, complete with racks that made it look like her own clothing store. Her love of dressing up was part of the fun of being Debbie and a memory that will always bring a smile to those who knew her.

Her generosity extended to her community. Through many years of volunteering with the Jaycees and the American Legion in Frankfort, Debbie gave her time and energy to others. Service was a meaningful part of her life, and she cherished the connections she made along the way.

To her family, she was a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister. She shared a lifelong bond with her brother, Calvin, spending much time with him in their early years and continuing to share that closeness through the end of her life. To her friends, she was someone whose company and friendship meant so much. Her loss is deeply felt, but deeper still is the gratitude of her friends and family who shared in her amazing life. Truly, any and all who were fortunate to have encountered her in her many adventures will remember her with love, share her stories, and take comfort in the warmth, joy, and happiness she brought them.

Debbie will be lovingly remembered by her son, James “JD” Daske Jr.; her brother, Calvin (Brenda) Clough; her grandchildren, Skyler Kennedy, Blaire Daske, and Jasper Daske; and her best friend, Karen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald E. and Violet P. Clough.

Debbie and her family are deeply grateful to Nero Restorative and Beacon Therapies for the care and support she received later in life. They also extend heartfelt thanks to all the healthcare workers who cared for her along the way and through her final days, with appreciation for the compassion and comfort they provided.

A memorial gathering and visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Private family burial will take place at a later date.