Listen to Obituary
Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother was born in Boise, Idaho on March 26, 1952, to Max McCormick and Eva Rae Hobson. She was raised in Boise until her father passed away when she was 10, at which point she moved with her mother to the Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City. She looked up to her older siblings, Dayleen and Daryl, and cherished her lifelong relationships with them.
Deb met the love of her life, John Koerner, in 1970 while attending Ricks College. They married in 1972 and transferred to Brigham Young University where she studied art history and child development, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon graduation, Deb and John settled in Dallas, Texas to raise their family.
John and their children were the light of her life. Passionate about motherhood, Deb created a nurturing home where her children could explore their interests and talents. She took great pride in maintaining a warm and inviting home for her children and their friends. Her greatest joy was seeing her family happy. As her children grew, she thrived professionally as a distinguished saleswoman at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, consistently ranking as a top sales associate for designer and semi-precious jewelry and earning recognition year after year. Deb succeeded at any endeavor she set her heart upon.
To know Deb was to love her. Life of the party, spitfire, sass-ball, vibrant, selfless, devoted, loyal, faithful, cheerleader, and best friend are just a few words that describe her. She greeted family and friends with a cheerful hello, a bright smile, and a warm hug. She loved her children's spouses as her own. Her energy was contagious, and she maintained her joy of life despite the challenges she faced. Deb bravely battled three forms of cancer during the last eight years of her life, never revealing the daily pain she endured. Her unwavering faith and testimony in her Savior, Jesus Christ, anchored her through difficult times. She was one-of-a-kind and a builder of people, leaving others feeling better after time spent with her. She listened, encouraged, and uplifted, making everyone feel loved and treasured.
Deb was a creator who saw the greatest potential in everyone and everything. She had a gift for taking objects of seemingly little significance and transforming them into special works of art. Her amazing talents for drawing, painting, and creating brought beauty to all around her. She loved jewelry for what it represented: art that inspired. She passed her passion for art, creation, determination, and joy to her spouse, children, and grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving husband, John Albert Koerner; her children Garrett John Koerner (spouse Emily), Preston Dean Koerner (spouse Tali), Kimberly Rae Koerner Mohlman (spouse Michael), and Allison Rae Koerner Wilcox; and her thirteen cherished grandchildren: Miles, Cannon, Dallas, Garrison, Xandrie, Crosby, Roxie, Kimball, Zeke, Everli, Grayson, Lincoln, and Olive. Her favorite gospel hymn was "There is a Green Hill Far Away," which reminded her of the Savior and her sons, Garrett and Preston, who served their missions in South Korea and Japan.
She was preceded in death by her father, Max McCormick Hobson; her mother, Eva Rae Hobson; and her sister, Dayleen LaVon Hobson Felt (2009).
A Celebration of Life open house will be held at Deb and John's Sandy home on May 17, from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Their home is located at 9312 S Redhaven Dr. Sandy, UT 84094.
The Koerner Family is inviting everyone to come celebrate Deb's life and to thank you for your love and friendship.
Guestbook/Condolences
I remember Deb as being kind and funny. She was a loving mother and good friend. She would drive to my house and pick me up for Jazzercise at the Ward building in Mesquite, TX. We lost touch over the years but I will always have very fond memories of her and her sweet family.
Deb was a joy too have in my life. With all her trials and issues she had in her life. She seemed to push them aside . Even though I could be her grandmother, she always made me feel young. She was her own person. Deb was one of a kind. Bless her family, and now it’s time to remember all those special memories. Sincerely, Barbara Lewis.♥️
Dear John and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences concerning the passing away of Deb. She is in the Lord's eternally loving arms, while being reunited with family and friends on the other side of the veil. We feel privileged to have known her. She will be greatly missed by many people. May the Lord's blessings of abiding love, incomprehensible peace, and comforting solace sustain your family during this difficult time of mourning.
Sincerely,
Clyde and Amélia Triptow
Life long eternal friend. We made many great memories and felt a close kinship. Much love to the family.
I am heartbroken to learn of Deb’s passing. It’s hard to put into words how much I loved her. We bonded over our love of jewelry and fine art. I’m grateful that I got to spend some time with her when I visited Salt Lake City a couple of years ago. I will miss her until we meet again.
My sincere condolences. I loved her!
Brother Koerner, I am so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. She was THE sweetest person. She encouraged me in so many ways with her words and her art. I still have something she drew for me when I first became Young Womens President many years ago. She helped keep me going when I needed encouragement. I loved her so much and will never forget her. Her heart was so big. I pray that peace and comfort will surround your family during this very sad time.
It’s hard to put into words our feelings about our dear friend. So many treasured memories of good times we spent together with Deb and John. We love your family and will forever treasure our friendship. Even though distance prevents us from being there, we send our love and hugs to you all.
Dear Koerner family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you all through this time, and the weeks and months ahead, as your hearts continue to process through “ all the heart things”.
We love and appreciate you all .
God Bless—-
Joyce and Molly