Deborah C. Hallenbeck, 71, of Portage Indiana died on October 15, 2023.  Debbie was born on February 4, 1952 to Anton and Anna Mae Farkas in Gary, Indiana and grew up with her sister Sandy.  She attended Merrillville High School.  She was married to James Hallenbeck on September 23, 1972 at St. Mark’s Church in Gary, IN.

Debbie and Jim raised their 2 boys, Timothy and Jason in Portage, Indiana.  After her children were grown, Debbie became the Computer & Technology specialist at George L Myers Elementary School in Portage.

Debbie’s sons were the joy of her life.  She was happy to support them in any endeavor.  She had a deep love of all things Disney, and Jim and Debbie were able to celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary in Disney last year.  Debbie and Jim loved to travel to Vegas, and you could frequently find her at a video poker machine drinking a caffeine-free Diet Coke.  Her grandchildren were blessed by her amazing quilting abilities and sewing skills (including outfits for American Girl Dolls).   She was an expert gift-giver and loved finding the best deals… especially on her beloved Sketcher shoes and Vera Bradley purses!

Debbie is survived by her husband, Jim, sons Tim Hallenbeck  (Heather Waldron) and Jason (Kate) Hallenbeck.  Her grandsons Nathan and Hank brought joy to her life, and she lived to spoil her granddaughters Sophia, Evie, and Georgia.  She was surrounded by a full extended family including in-laws Jack and Sue Hallenbeck, Frank & Beverly Jury, and Don & Barb Tribby, who were all exceptional helpful in Debbie’s final days.  Loving nieces Janice (Paul) Fields, Shawna (Aaron) Schuiling, Lauren Hallenbeck, and nephews Frank Jury, Chris (Jessica) Jury, Rich (Renee) Jury, David Tribby, Michael (Arielle) Tribby.  She had a wonderful network of friends and loving cousins.

Visitation will be held at Calumet Park 370 N County Line Rd in Hobart on Friday October 20, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  A reception lunch will be held at Paragon Restaurant 1701 E. 37^th Avenue to follow 1:15-3:15.