Deb’s Story

Site created on July 9, 2018

Deb’s journey with cancer has spanned nearly 17 years, beginning in 2001. During August of that year, she noticed an abnormal fullness to her stomach. Though it wasn’t painful, it was persistent and she quickly sought a doctor’s opinion. It was later confirmed that she had a tumor within the lining of her abdomen. The diagnosis was retroperitoneal sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that develops in the connective tissues. The course of treatment was 5 weeks of radiation followed by surgery, which were successful, and she left the hospital in October 2001 cancer free.

In July of 2013, with no symptoms, she went in for her biannual oncology appointment only to find out the cancer had returned. This time, it presented as a tumor in her abdomen that had attached itself to several of her internal organs, including her pancreas. Another successful surgery followed and she was cancer free once again.

In December of 2017, Deb attended her usual routine check-up and was given the good news that all her scans had come back clear. Only 3 months after this appointment, she felt a hardness in her abdomen, and was told to come in immediately. A CT scan revealed another tumor, which grew rapidly in the weeks leading up to her surgery on April 13, 2018. Again, doctors were able to remove the tumor surgically and she went home the following week. At her next scheduled oncology appointment, exactly two months from the day of her surgery, she was told the cancer had returned for a fourth time. Due to the aggressive nature of the cancer, her doctors recommended a 9-week trial of chemotherapy. Her first chemo treatment was on June 21st, 2018.

Through the help of prayer and the support of Deb’s many friends and loved ones, we remain hopeful. Thank you for being here!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Muriel Vomhof

Debra JoAnn (Vomhof) Brown of Rochester passed away on September 9, 2018 at her home after a courageous 17-year battle with cancer.
Deb was born December 21, 1953 in Racine, MN to Claire and Dorene (Kohlmeyer) Vomhof. She attended St. John's Lutheran School in Wykoff, MN and graduated from Wykoff High School in 1972. She earned her associate degree at Waldorf College in Forest City, IA in 1974. Deb began working at Methodist Hospital in June of 1974, spending her entire career at Mayo until retiring in November of 2014. She married Jim Brown on June 4, 1988 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN and was finally awarded the cherished title of "Mom" five years later at age 39.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; daughters, Jessica of Rochester, Jenny of Milwaukee, WI and son, Andrew of Rochester; mother, Dorene Vomhof of Rochester; sisters, Dawn (Glen) Halvorsen of Lakeville, MN, Marion (Dan) Vomhof of La Mesa, CA, Muriel (Don) Vomhof of West St. Paul, MN and Grace Adams of Eagan, MN; sister-in-law, Greta Vomhof of Jacksonville, FL; brothers, Larry (Deb) Vomhof of Chatfield, MN, Dean (Cheri) Vomhof of Gillette, WY, Paul (Linda) Vomhof of Wykoff, MN and many aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother, Lynn, and her father, Claire.
The funeral will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11:00 am on Friday, September 14, 2018. Visitation will be at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00 pm on September 13, 2018 with a memorial service at 7:30 pm following the visitation. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30 am until time of the funeral on Friday, September 14, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

In lieu of temporary flowers, create a permanent memory in Deb's honor. Say "I love you," smile at a stranger, listen with your heart. And hold your family close, Every day.  

Private interment will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens.
To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
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