Deborah Jo (Bauer) Flink

Deborah Jo (Bauer) Flink

1958 – 2024

ODEBOLT - Deborah Jo (Bauer) Flink, 65, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on March 16, 2024 after a courageous fight with cancer. Deborah passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side.

Services will be held at St. Martin Catholic Church on April 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. There will be no visitation. Friends and family are invited to come and celebrate this wonderful woman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deborah’s honor to June E Nylen Cancer Center or to a benefit account established at UBI, which will be distributed to local teachers to be used for school supplies.  

Deborah was born on June 28, 1958, to Edmund and Joleen Bauer in Carroll, Iowa. She lived and grew up in Manning and Sac City, Iowa. Deborah graduated from Sac City High School in 1976 and Buena Vista University in 1981.  

On Aug. 1, 1980, she married the love of her life Steven Flink. Together, they shared 43 beautiful years of marriage. They built their home and life in Odebolt, Iowa where they raised their two children Andrea and Brady. 

Throughout her adult life, Deborah was very active in her church, St. Martin Catholic Church. She was President of the Ladies Guild, taught CCD lessons, organized the spring luncheon for several years, was a Lay Minister, as well as Chairwoman of the Ladies Circle. Deborah organized the O-A TAG Carnival for several years. She was also an EMTI in Sac County. Deborah had such compassion for helping others and giving back to her community. 

Deborah had a long lasting career as an educator. She worked for Job Corps in Denison, Iowa, since 2003. Her passion was working with her students and impacting their lives any way she could. During her teaching career, she was awarded many honors including “You Make A Difference Award” and “Educator of the Year” award several times. No matter what support her students needed, she would go out of her way to help them succeed. 

In her pastime, Deborah enjoyed going to the beach no matter if in Iowa or California. She loved the sand and water between her toes. Alongside her husband, she found joy in cultivating their garden, indulging in creative crafts together, and spending time with family who loved her dearly.

Deborah is preceded in death by both of her parents Edmund and Joleen Bauer, son-in-law Tyler Johnson, nephew Andrew Bauer, parents-in-law Earl and Lucille Flink, brothers-in-law Arlin Bunge, Larry Flink, and Keith Flink. Left to cherish her memories are her husband Steven Flink, daughter Andrea (Andrew) Michaelsen, son Brady (Stephanie) Flink, and grandchildren: Aidan, Gage, Rafe, and Stevie; as well as her siblings Janet Bauer, Sheryl (John) Antol, Michael Bauer and special friend Andrea Lester. She is also survived by her in-laws Judy Bunge, Nancy Flink, Joyce Flink, Randy Flink, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Her kind, caring, and compassionate nature will be missed by all that knew her. 

Services: April 6, St. Martin Catholic Church, Odebolt