Debra S. von der Linde

Debra Sue (Casey) von der Linde, 66, of Mason City, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Wayside Chapel at First United Methodist Church 119 S Georgia Ave, with Pastor Jon Montgomery officiating.

Debra was born on August 6, 1960, in Hampton, Iowa, to Donald and Yvonne (Jensen) Casey. She attended school in Hampton until her family moved to Mason City, where she continued her education. She would have been a member of the Mason City High School Class of 1978 and later earned her GED.

Debbie, as she was affectionately known, had a gift for quick-witted humor, something she shared with her entire family. She had a way of finding laughter even in life's most difficult moments.

Debbie's journey was not always an easy one. She faced more than her share of hardships and struggles, yet somehow, she always found a way to keep going. She and her sister Lori often joked that, like a cat, Debbie must have had nine lives. She was, in every sense of the word, a survivor.
"Keep on keeping on" was her mantra, and one of her favorite sayings was, "What a long, strange trip it's been." Both seemed to capture the spirit of a woman who had traveled a difficult road but never completely lost her sense of humor.

One of Debbie's favorite jobs was working at the County Care Facility, where she cared for the residents with genuine love and compassion. They were more than people in her care; they became like family to her.

Debbie had a big heart, although she often kept it tucked safely behind a tough, protective shell. Those who knew her best understood the tenderness beneath that exterior. When life was good, Debbie was full of laughter, silliness, music, and song. She loved taking pictures, and if she loved you, chances are she had plenty of photographs of you. She especially enjoyed using her creative editing skills to transform ordinary pictures into something magical. It was one of the many ways she expressed her love.

Although Debbie wasn't one to regularly attend church, she carried a deep and personal faith in Jesus. She looked forward to the day when she would be reunited with her parents, her Grandma Jensen, and the beloved pets who had brought her so much comfort and companionship throughout her life. She and Lori often talked about what a wonderful reunion that would be.

After a long and sometimes difficult journey, Debbie can finally rest easy. Her family takes comfort in imagining that joyful reunion and knowing that her struggles are over.

Debbie is survived by her brothers, Mike (Linda) Casey and Darrell Casey, both of Mason City, and Tim (Michele) Casey of Rockwell, Iowa; her sisters, Diane Casey and Lori Casey, both of Mason City; her much-loved nieces and nephews; and the many dear friends who became like family to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Yvonne Casey; her grandparents, Hans and Anna Jensen and Alfred and Gena Casey; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her family also finds comfort in believing that the cherished pets who went before her were there to welcome her home.

Debbie's family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caring individuals, community members, and agencies who offered her kindness, compassion, and support during the difficult chapters of her life. Your care and concern meant more than you may ever know, and you are sincerely appreciated.

Keep on keeping on, Debbie. Your long, strange trip is over. May you finally rest in peace, surrounded by love.