Obituary of Debra Jean Kauffman-Watson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Debra (Deb) Jean Kauffman-Watson, who departed this life on June 29, 2025, at the Bird House Hospice Home of Iowa City, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Deb was born on May 23, 1955, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, the only daughter of Donald (Don) and Patricia (Pat) Kauffman, and one of six children. She grew up on a farm and often brought home unique treasures from her childhood farmhouse to decorate her home in Iowa City.

She attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, and later married Rodney Watson on June 19, 1978. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, raising three children.

A longtime resident of Iowa City, Deb and Rodney recently settled in West Branch. She cherished road trips across the Midwest with her family, was a passionate reader, and a proud supporter of the Friends of the West Branch Library. Deb found joy in sharing books with others and giving back to her community—coordinating the St. Bernadette Angel Tree, volunteering with the Altar & Rosary Society, and creating cards for residents at Crestview Senior Nursing Home.

Deb leaves behind her loving husband of 47 years, Rodney, and their children: Justin (J.R.) (Anne), and Stephanie (Luis) Mendoza. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Jordain, Amilia, Oliver, Rosemary, Billie, Zelda, and a new granddaughter expected in November.

Deb is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: Gary (Karen) Kauffman, James (Vicki) Kauffman, Kevin (Christy) Kauffman, and Dan (Bev) Kauffman. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Patricia Kauffman; her brother Robert (Bob); her paternal grandparents, Ralph and Leone Kauffman; maternal grandparents, Helen Bartosh (Domek) and Henry Domek; her brother-in-law, Daniel Watson III; her sister-in-law, Cindy Kauffman; and her father-in-law, Elijah Lawson.

Deb touched countless lives through her work at the Broadway Neighborhood Center and later at Successful Living in Iowa City. Her legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and quiet strength.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the hospice nurses, social workers, and music therapist from Iowa City Hospice, and the compassionate team at the Bird House.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deb’s memory to the Bird House Hospice Home of Iowa City.

Condolences may be shared with the family through Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch, with the funeral mass taking place on Saturday, August 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in West Branch.

Deb will be laid to rest at a later date.

The family also extends their sincere thanks to Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City for their compassionate handling of cremation arrangements.