Dr. Debra Bishop

Dr. Deb Bishop, 65, died unexpectedly July 22, 2023 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born March 11, 1958 in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of David L. Sprunger and Frances E. Sprunger.

Deb graduated from Fort Madison High School, Class of 1976. Following graduation, she went on to Iowa State University to get her bachelors, masters, and PhD in Industrial Engineering. Deb worked for over 25 years as a professor at Drake University being a teacher and mentor to many around the world. In addition to being a professor, Deb was involved with many service organizations around the world including Rotary, where she was recently elected the President of Johnston Rotary for 2023-2024; Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and the Mandela Washington Fellowship; Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE); Delta Sigma Pi International Fraternity; faculty advisor for Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at Drake; nearly 20 years of taking students to Uganda for life changing cultural exchange experiences; and supporting Drake and the Shining City Foundation in building a clinic in a rural village in Uganda. She was also actively involved in her church, Greater Life Community Church, and served on the Nazarene District Advisory Board. In January, Deb, with her son Bryan and his wife Lesley, stepped foot on Antarctica to reach her 7th continent and 31st country!

Deb was predeceased by her father, David. Those left to mourn this unimaginable loss include her Son, Bryan Bishop and his wife, Lesley, of Denver, Colorado; Daughter, Dr. Lisa Bishop and her husband, Jeremy Schuck, of Grinnell, Iowa; her three grandchildren Trevor, Leo, and Jacoby Schuck; Mother, Frances Sprunger; Sisters Sandy (Curt) Hilding and Jean (Roger) McEowen; Brothers David (Marty) Sprunger, Randy (Susan) Sprunger; many nieces, nephews, and their children, and many people around the world that she thought of as part of her family.

A service of remembrance will be held 10 AM Saturday, July 29th, 2023 at Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University (2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311). Deb will be buried in Sandusky, Iowa next to her father. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Deb in a special way may direct their gifts in her memory to the Shining City Foundation with requests to support the Uganda Medical Clinic, International or Johnston Rotary Clubs, and/or Greater Life Community Church.