Deborah A. Gohlinghorst, 69

Deborah Ann Gohlinghorst was born on September 30, 1951 to David and Phyllis Gohlinghorst of Red Oak, Iowa. She was the second of six children, raised on a farm Southwest of Red Oak in a Christian home. She attended school in Coburg, Iowa and went on to graduate from Red Oak Community High school in 1969. She worked as a waitress during high school, and after graduation moved to Omaha to start a career at Northwestern Bell (the Phone Company she called it) in the summer of 1969.

In 1972, while having her car repaired, she met a mechanic, Wally Dudzinski, who she began dating and ultimately married in July of 1974. They shared a life together for over 47 years, she was his soul mate. In August 1977, she became a mother to their first son, Paul and in 1980 she gave birth to their second son, Carl. She decided to leave the Phone Company to stay at home and raise their boys. She devoted her life to being a loving mother, and wife, daughter and sister. She was the boys’ biggest fan and cheerleader supporting them in taekwondo, soccer, baseball, swimming and Cub Scouts.

Along the way she returned to work; Taylor’s Flower Shop, Swanson Corporation, and as a legal secretary for two law firms in administrative and support roles. This helped put her two children through college at UNL, a dream she had for them. Both children, went on to successful careers and married wonderful women, providing “Grandma D” with five loving grandchildren: Carson & Kendall (Paul and wife Erin), Adilyn, Keaton, and Baylee (Carl & wife Crissy). She was always happiest around them, attending their events, reading a book before bed, and being the Best Grandma on Earth.

Debbie was very involved with her church, Trinity United Methodist Church in Ralston, where for over 35 years, she served on numerous boards, committees, a member of the United Methodist Women, and where you could always find her volunteering her time. She taught Sunday school, vacation bible school and was involved with all the various functions they had going on to support the church.

She is now at Peace with the Lord and watching over all of us.


Private interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, Iowa.



To view a video broadcast of the Funeral Service, click on the "Stream Funeral Service" option.