Deborah D. Gregory

(nee Claassen)

In a peaceful calm, God called Deborah Diane Gregory (Claassen) (56), born March 23rd 1953, home after a lengthy illness on 5 May 2009 at 9:55 AM. Her loving family and friends surrounded her.

She leaves behind a dedicated husband of 35 years, David Joseph Gregory Jr. and three children, Kimberly (Razvan) Voichescu , Diamond, IL, Keith (Amanda) Gregory . Joliet, Kristine Gregory, Joliet. Debbie was delighted by the laughter of her four grandchildren, William (JR) and Alexander Campbell, Diamond, and Hannah and Jonas Gregory , Joliet, and was eager to meet her fifth grandchild, due in October.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Norman D. Claassen and Evelyn (Milby) Lohry, and survived by her in-laws, David Sr. and her uncle Stan Milby, Rushville, Ill., who was like a second father; and Marilyn Gregory of Joliet. Five siblings and 7 brothers-in-law also survived her: 2 sisters, Vickie (Ed) Dean Joliet, Patti (Ron) Sorg, Wilmington; 3 brothers, John (Susan) Mt. Sterling IL, David (Cathy) Claassen, Wilmington, Glenn Claassen, Berlin, WI; in-laws, Daniel Gregory, Paul Gregory ,Tony (Mary Jo) Gregory, Carl Gregory, Chris (Sue) Gregory all of Joliet, Jeff (Kathy) Gregory , Wilmington and Jamie (Michelle) Gregory , Minooka. Also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to mention.

Debbie had a zest for life. She was a dedicated Cubs fan and a lifelong softball enthusiast and manager of an eight-time city tournament champion team. An avid outdoorsman, fishing, hunting and hiking filled her days. Deb loved festive gatherings and relished spending time with her family. In lieu of flowers, donations to Joliet Area Community Hospice Home would be appreciated.

From where services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 8:00 AM to St. John the Baptist Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 8:30 AM. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 2-8 PM.