Deborah M (Moravec) Kiermas

In Loving Memory of Deborah Kiermas
1954 – 2025

Deborah M. Kiermas, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2025, at the age of 71. Her life was a testament to resilience, kindness, and an unshakable love for her family.

Deborah's life was not an easy one, though she rarely spoke of its hardships. She grew up the 4th of 5 children. Tragedy struck early when she lost her father to a sudden heart attack, and her family’s home and belongings to a devastating house fire. A smart and driven woman, she was the first in her family to graduate from high school. She was destined for college, but life took an unexpected turn when she became a mother to John at just 17 years old. Three years later, Jason was born, followed by Mary 10 years after that. There were three qualities that defined her: compassion, hope, and love.

Compassion
Deborah was a woman of profound compassion. Her own mistakes, which she acknowledged with humility, gave her a unique ability to accept people as they were, loving them without judgment. Her open heart made her home a sanctuary. Throughout her life, her home was a haven for young people navigating the uncertain transition from childhood to adulthood. Her niece Judi, her stepsons Joey and Tony, Tony’s friend Jim, and her nephew Tommy all found a safe place to stay, grow, and prepare for their own journeys. Even in her final days, as cancer weakened her body, she welcomed Jaxon, a 10-year-old boy who captured her heart. Her compassion never wavered, and she loved him dearly.

Hope
Debbie was a beacon of hope. She believed, unwaveringly, that things would get better, no matter the challenge. This hope carried her through life’s darkest moments: her divorce from her 1st husband, caring for her beloved second husband, Salvatore, throughout his battle with cancer; and balancing her work as a cleaning lady with her studies to become a nurse, all while raising three children on her own. Her hope wasn’t just for herself—it was for her children. She pushed them to succeed, to pursue education, and to build lives of their own. A force of nature, she sometimes doubted the life she was able to provide, but the truth is they never went without. They had everything they needed, and more than they could have asked for.

Love
Above all, Deborah loved fiercely. The word "fiercely" is chosen deliberately, for her love was both tender and unyielding, a steel-like force that protected what she valued most. She loved her children, her family, and her dogs, with a devotion that knew no bounds. Her son will never forget the day after a parent-teacher conference when his high school teacher said, “Man, John, she sure does love you.” That love extended to her grandchildren —Danny, Ryan, Christopher, Agatha, Jack, Lexi, Nate, Kina, Scarlett, Robin, Andrea, and Jaxon. In her final days, that love surrounded her, a testament to the life she lived.
Debbie, your race is done. It was long and, at times, grueling, and we know you often felt you ran it alone. But you never gave up. We’re okay now. Your children are grown, with spouses who will care for us in your absence. Your grandchildren are the flowers in the garden you planted so long ago. They are blooming, and we will all continue to grow, season after season, carrying your love, hope, and compassion forward.

Debbie is survived by:
Her husband: Dennis Kiermas
Children: John (Janet) Carnell, Jason (Linda) Carnell, Mary (Zak) Valenti-Walby, Judi and Jeff Pflughoeft, Tom (Holly Beringer) Wearing 
Grandchildren: Christopher, Agatha, Jack, Kina, Lexi, Nate, Scarlett, Robin, Andrea, Danny, Ryan and Jaxon
Brother: Thomas Moravec
Two beloved dogs: Butch and Tank

She is further survived by many other nieces, nephews and extended family members

She is preceded in death by:
Parents: Emil Moravec, Ruth and Cecil Robinson
Husband: Salvatore Valenti
Siblings: Barbara Wearing and Donald Moravec

As per Debbie’s wishes no formal services will be held at this time.

Debbie was a proud foster-failer of animals. In lieu of flowers, please donate to her favorite animal rescue: Lucky 7 Dog Rescue (https://www.lucky7dogrescue.com/) or your local Humane Society.

The family would like to thank Holly Beringer for everything she did to help Deborah over the past few years. We would also like to thank ThedaCare Hospice and The Pines for helping take care of Deborah at the end of her journey.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, is assisting the family with arrangements.