Debra Ann Phalen (Castenson), 65, of Mendota, IL passed away peacefully on Friday, October 18, 2024 in Cortland, IL. with her loving family by her side.

She was born on March 27, 1959 in Sycamore, IL to Mel and Phyllis (Elliott) Castenson.  Debra was a proud and dedicated bookkeeper for the Mendota High School for 26 years.

For those who knew Debra, she was such a joy to be around, a dedicated worker and a true friend to those she surrounded herself with.  Debra's greatest passion was her family, especially her two sons.  However, what she loved the most was being a grandma.  She would go to great lengths to be there for each and every one of the grandkids and will continue to watch over them even now.

She is survived by her children, Justin (Melissa) Miner and Cody (Megan) Phalen; sisters Diane (Kirk) Lundbeck and Donna (Dave Banelli) Herlehy; grandchildren Harper, Henley, Grace, Elliott, Landon, Ryann, Layne and Carter; and nieces and nephews Nicole, Meghan (Tyler) and Ryan Herlehy, Jason (Jillian) Lundbeck and Lauren (Brad) Butcher.

She was preceded in death by her parents Mel and Phyllis Castenson and her brother-in-law Mike Herlehy.

The family would like to thank all the medical staff at OSF Medical Center, UW Healthcare, Van Matre Rehabilitation, Empower Health and Serenity Hospice for their care, compassion and support during Debra's courageous cancer battle.

Her visitation will be on Thursday, October 24th from 1:30-4:00 PM at the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.

All friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life following the visitation- beginning at 5:00 PM on Thursday at Rosita's Mexican Restaurant, 642 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL 60115.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made and sent for the family- to determine a charity or scholarship at a later date.  Please send to the Butala Funeral Home, PO Box 331, Sycamore, IL 60178.

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com