This weekend we celebrated the life of Dr. Debra Romberger. Debra was a formidable and dedicated volunteer leader of OTOC and our sister organization IPL for more than 30 years, in addition to her remarkable achievements as a physician, scientist, researcher, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of us who loved, worked, and fought beside her. May she rest in power. 

Debra Romberger was a role model for every person, but especially every woman lucky enough to cross her path. She was tough and brave while also being one of the most generous and compassionate people I've ever met. After accepting the Lead Organizer position in Omaha, one of the first meetings on my schedule was a baby shower for me and my family hosted in Deb's home. When my father passed away a few years later, Deb showed me the kind of compassion that only someone who has experienced great loss can. As Chair of the IPL Board, Deb advocated for me, challenged me in ways that made me better, and demonstrated what it means to be a primary leader dedicated to the mission of building power, and identifying and developing others. We can not fill her shoes, but we can carry on her legacy by practicing what she taught us. - Sarah Keeney, Lead Organizer, OTOC
She was a kind, generous person who lived her values. May she rest in power indeed!! - Cindy Johnson, St. Pius X
Deb was, without a doubt, one of the finest people I've ever known. I feel so lucky to have known her. - Nathan Morgan, IPL Board Chair
Her ripples of hope, generosity, kindness and caring, will carry on in those she touched. She leaves a legacy of love. I am so lucky to have known her and learned from her. - Denise Bowyer, First United Methodist Church, IPL Board
I will really miss Deb, one of OTOC / IPL's most dedicated members and determined fighters.Thanks for everything, Deb. - Allison Latenser, IPL Board
A early memory of Deb Romberger that clings to me is of participating in an OTOC action in support of meat-packer workers in Omaha who were trying to unionize.  One mid-Winter morning, at zero-dark-thirty, when the temperature was in the single digits, I stood with Deb, and other OTOC leaders from FUMC and St. Pius X and chanted "Si se puede!" as the hides from recently butchered cattle flew out of a chute overhead into the back of a nearby truck. Even in the dim light of that dark morning, it was apparent to me that the slender person across from me had a deep passion for justice. At that time, I didn't know who Deb was or what she did, aside from being a member of the same faith institution that I attended.  It was probably years before I knew she was an MD, let alone a well-regarded researcher.  Never one to broadcast her titles, she simply quietly did the work she was called to do: work of health and healing, of justice, and of humbly being a light in the world to those around her. - Mary Spurgeon, First United Methodist Church
I miss Deb's quiet, intelligent strength. I am grateful to have known and worked with her. - William Arfmann, IPL Board
I always waited to hear Deb’s perspective on things. Her understanding of the essence of what OTOC was helped me learn tremendously. - Karen McElroy, Friends of OTOC
Deb's strength and power was wide. In the midst of her own battle she gave compassion and encouragement when I was diagnosed 11 years ago. I cherish that memory. - Vicki Pratt, Second Unitarian
Deb has been an inspiration and role model for all leaders, especially women in medicine. I owe her so much for her support, mentorship, and sponsorship. May you rest in peace, Deb. Your legacy will live on! - Dr. Nada Fadul, Sudanese Community of Greater Omaha
For those of us who grew up in the Midwest on a farm or in my case one generation removed from farm stock, we learned a certain work ethic. Hard work was everything and I used to think I was a hard worker until I met Dr Debra Romberger.

Deb was the hardest worker I ever met and I’ve met a few. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and an enthusiastic supporter of Omaha Together One Community I met her when I moved back to Omaha to take on the role of Lead Organizer for OTOC.

Time and space don’t allow me to list all the things Deb did and all the ways she supported her church and OTOC but let’s just say she did it all. And what’s more she did it without complaint. Ever. I’ve never heard anything resembling a complaint, a whine, a sneer or even an exasperated sigh come out of Deb’s mouth.

For anyone who knows anything about what it was like to be an early supporter of OTOC this was a remarkable achievement. The entire political and business establishment of Omaha was united in their hatred of the organization in its earliest days. Yet, Deb and so many other leaders like her, carried on and as a result OTOC is approaching 40 years of organizing in Omaha as strong as ever.

She did this, by the way, as a volunteer at her church while simultaneously working 12 - 14 hour days at UNMC rising to become its first female Chair of Internal Medicine.
Did she sleep? I’m not sure. Did she ever sit down and enjoy a long leisurely meal? I never witnessed it.I’m trying to imagine Deb in a chaise lounge chair on a tropical beach somewhere and the image just won’t come to mind.

She was tireless to the end, a joy to work with, caring, passionate, patient and someone who’s counsel got me through many a rough patch.

Thank you, Deb. The world seems a little smaller without you. - Former OTOC Lead Organizer and current IAF Regional Supervisor, Paul Turner


In lieu of flowers, Debra designated OTOC as one of her memorial options. Click here to make a donation in honor of Debra: https://www.otoc.org/romberger