Deborah Lynn Bruns-Holzapfel

Obituary's Biography:

Deborah Lynn Bruns-Holzapfel, beloved wife of 20 years Glenn A. Watt, passed away on Tuesday, June 10^th after a prolonged illness.  She was born in Pittsburgh, PA on August 29, 1956, to Frederick A. Holzapfel Sr, and Joan (nee: Zilinski) Holzapfel.

Deb was the eldest of three children, her siblings the late Cheryl (Bruce) Conrad and Fred Jr. (Art) Holzapfel.

She is also survived by her husband, Glenn, brother Fred “Bumper” (Brother-in-law, Art Evans), niece Christy (Trent Suchelski), great-niece Vivian Rose “Peanut” and Keaton (Ely) Rivier.  In addition, her first husband’s daughter Kristy Jensen.  Also surviving are her many cousins from the Holzapfel’s, Mara’s, Walters’, Russo’s, and the Reid’s families from New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Florida.  Her dear sisters-in-law Verna “Jidge” Johnson of Ohio, IL and Carolyn Watt of Cissna Park, IL, as well as many great nieces and nephews.  Deb was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Cheryl, her brothers-in-law Ken Watt and Richard Johnson, Arlene (Dave) Sladek and her first husband Jeff Bruns.

Deb graduated from Lincolnway High School in 1974 and Eastern Illinois University in 1978 with a Physical Education degree.  She received her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University in 1982.  While in college, Deb played softball and field hockey and was an exceptional athlete and avid golfer.

Right after college, Deb taught at Grant Park Illinois, where she also coached volleyball.  She then went on to coach at Ohio State as a graduate assistant from 1981-1982.

After getting her Masters, she was hired at Indiana State University as head volleyball coach from 1982-1989, leaving a lasting impact on her athletes of positivity and diligence.

Deb came to Waukegan High School in 1989 and was hired as an Assistant Athletic Director.  She then returned to the classroom and over the years coached volleyball and badminton as a head coach.  Even in retirement, Deb continued her passion for coaching young women until her illness in 2025 took over.  Deb fought courageously to the end.  She touched the lives of thousands of students/athletes in the course of her career, as well as making many lifetime friends from Prestwick, Lincoln Way, and Grant Park to Ohio State, Indiana State, and Waukegan High School. 

Deb fought for women’s equality in sports, under Title IX and many issues related to them.  She was caring, compassionate, and devoted to her family and friends colleagues and to all those who knew her.  A special shout out to her dearest friends, Sharon, Diane, Jean, Donna, and Carol- Thanks!

Coach “Hoz” as her athletes referred to her, will long be remembered for her kindness, generosity and determination by all.  She will remain a beacon of light in our lives.

A memorial visitation and service are scheduled for July 19, 2025 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 10:00am until 12:00pm with the memorial service commencing at 12:00pm.  Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation or to a charity of your choice.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.