Merrillville, IN  –  DEBORAH A, (IRONS) ELSER, 63, of Merrillville, IN passed away on February 13, 2024.  Debbie was born in Gary, IN.  She was a graduate of Merrillville High School – Class of 1978, where she was very active in the Choir and Drama Departments.  She also attained an Associates Degree in Business from the University of Phoenix.

Debbie married Steve Elser in 1979.  They were married for 44 years.

Debbie held various positions in banking, as a teller, mortgage processor, and mortgage closer, as well as processing benefit claims for Conduent (contracted to the State of Indiana).  Debbie continued her love of singing as a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Choir and the First United Methodist Church of Crown Point Choir.  She also was Youth Director at Emmanuel for many years.  She was an active member of Ross Music Theatre and M & M Productions since her high school days.  She enjoyed all aspects of the community theatre world (Actress, Singer, Set Construction, Costume Construction, Box Office, etc.)

She was a former member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Merrillville and First United Methodist Church in Crown Point.

Debbie was an AVID Chicago Cubs fan!  She loved watching baseball, and spending time with her family, especially her grandsons.  Her laugh was contagious and the twinkle in her blue eyes was unforgettable.

Debbie is survived by her Husband, Steve Elser; Daughters, Mandy (Ryan) Underhill and Ashley Kay (Christopher) Miller; Grandsons, Seth and Conner; Mother, Sharon Tinglof; Brother, Jef (Alba) Irons; Sister, Tina (Don) Munson; many Nieces, Nephews, and Friends.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Douglas Irons; and “Bonus Dad”, Rudy Tinglof.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like plants that will live on along with Debbie’s memory, or contributions in her name to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410.  Memorial Service will begin at 1:00pm with Pastor Marc Cram officiating.  In Debbie’s honor, attendees are encouraged to wear Chicago Cubs gear.

Interment of cremains at Calumet Park Cemetery will take place at a later date.

CALUMET PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORY entrusted with arrangements.   www.mycalumetpark.com