Deborah Twadell

Deborah Twadell was born in Iola May 5, 1941, daughter of Bayard and Neva (Hutchison) Twadell. She died of congestive heart failure Dec. 7, 2024, in Minnetonka, Minn. She is preceded in death by her husband, Goran Raspudic, her parents, and her sisters, Judith Strack and Jane MacDonald.

Debbie grew up in Iola and graduated from Iola High School in 1955. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 1963, married Michael Mead, and taught middle school until the arrivals of her two children, Katie and Steve.

Following her divorce, she had a very successful career in corporate training, culminating in her role as vice president of training at MGIC. Debbie was a trailblazer for women in corporate America, often leading alongside only male peers while shattering glass ceilings and mentoring countless others who would follow in her footsteps.

She lived in nine cities in six states and traveled widely in the U.S. and around the world. Debbie was lucky to marry the love of her life, Goran Raspudic, in 1990 and enjoyed their 18 years of marriage.

Debbie is survived by her children Kathryn Gonzalez (Philip) and Stephen Mead; grandchildren Megan Gonzalez-Blank (Stuart), Jackson and Owen Gonzalez, Will Davies (Anna), and Henry and Kate Mead; great-grandchildren Walter and Kellen Gonzalez-Blank; sister Peggy Leis, brother Bruce Chambers (Barbara), and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

A graveside service is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at Highland Cemetery in Iola. Lunch to follow at El Charro.