Debra J. Rutkowski

Debra J. Rutkowski, 71, of Palmyra, WI peacefully passed into eternal life on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at AngelsGrace Hospice Center in Oconomowoc.

Debra was born on April 19, 1953 in Milwaukee, the daughter and eldest child of Emory and Helen (Schantzen) Sommers. She grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Bay View High School with the class of 1971. Soon after, she met Donald Rutkowski and the two married on December 29, 1973 at Immaculate Conception Parish in Milwaukee. The pair lived in Oklahoma while Don served in the military before returning to Milwaukee; in that time, God would bless Debra and Don with eight beautiful children: Jeremy, Katie, Molly, Hannah, Zachary, Leah, Caleb, and Grace. In 1990, the family laid their roots in Palmyra where Debra would build the rest of her life.

Debra will be remembered for her caring and passionate nature. A wonderful wife, mother, and friend, she was at her best and happiest when surrounded by her ever-growing family and dear friends. She was a talented cook and dedicated decorator who took every holiday celebration to the next level. A devoted Packers fan, many will remember her for her boisterous support of the green and gold. Her charm, humor, and laugh will live on in the memories of those she knew.

She is survived by: her loving husband of 50 years, Don Rutkowski of Palmyra; her cherished children, Jeremy (Alma Mann) Rutkowski, Katie (James Lorman) Rutkowski, Molly (Josh) Thomas, Hannah Balgord, Zachary (LaDina) Rutkowski, Leah (Andrew) Adsit, and Caleb (Brittany) Rutkowski; her prized grandchildren, Sylvia, Aurelia, Jenavie, Josephine, Emily, Michael, Oliver, Maizy, Heidi, Mira, Ava, Nova, Leila, Veda, Riley, Tyler, Abbigail, Ashlin, Maya, Ivy, Everett, and Scarlett; her beloved great-grandson, Emery; and her dear brother, Brett (Louella) Sommers of West Allis. Debra is also survived by a number of adored relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Greg, her precious daughter Grace, and her dear grandson Maxwell.

A Celebration of Debra's life will be held on October 5, 2024 at 2:00PM in Palmyra at the Village Park with a luncheon to follow at Squidy's 2.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

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