Debra Jeanene Blair

Debra J. Blair, 62, of Elkader, Iowa, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 surrounded by family at Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa. A beloved wife, mother, and community member. She will be remembered as a beacon of joy and kindness. 

Debra Jeanene Fors, daughter of Robert and Joan (Pearson) Fors was born on October 5, 1962 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She graduated from Central Webster High School in Burnside, Iowa with the class of 1981. Following high school, Debbie attended Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. 

On May 4, 1985, Debbie was united in marriage to Bruce Blair at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Burnside. They had two sons: Alex (33) and Neil (31). They made their home in Elkader, Iowa where they have resided since 1994. 

Debbie worked as a secretary for 16 years for the Clayton County Visiting Nurses Association in Elkader and for 11 and a half years for Early Head Start in Monona, Iowa. 

The life of the party, yet never self-centered, Debbie loved spending time with friends and family. She loved watching her sons play football and basketball, volunteering at Cabin Concerts, traveling and shopping. 

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Robert Fors. 

Survivors include her loving husband, Bruce Blair of Elkader; two sons, Alex (Arial) Blair of Cedar Rapids, IA and Neil Blair of Nevada, IA; mother, Joan Fors of Dayton; three brothers, Doug (Lesslie) Fors of Fort Dodge, Steven Fors of Aurora, CO; and Roger (Kristi Chapman) Fors of West Des Moines, IA. 

A visitation for Debbie will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, with a funeral service to follow at noon at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Burnside, Iowa. Vicar Mike Gaffey will officiate. Burial will follow at the Dayton Cemetery in Dayton, Iowa. Carson-Stapp Funeral Home in Dayton has been entrusted with arrangements. A celebration of life will be held in Elkader at a later date.