Debra Ann Abel, 67, of Oshkosh, died peacefully on May 17th, 2022 with her daughters by her side. Born Debra Ann Staege in Wisconsin Rapids, she attended Spencer Public Schools, graduating in 1973. She worked and lived in various locations; Sheboygan WI, Fort Collins CO, Milwaukee WI, Oshkosh WI and Winneconne, WI. She was married to Jack Abel from 1984-2005 where they settled in Winneconne, WI and raised their daughters Rebecca and Elizabeth. Deb worked for Oshkosh Designs for 25 years as a Graphic Designer and Computer Programmer. A job she loved and excelled at. She would like to thank Tom and Lee for all they did for her. She enjoyed spending time at her family's cottage in Northern WI with family and friends. She loved to water ski and always said that "cottage beer was the best". Deb also enjoyed traveling, crafting, woodworking and most of all, being with her family. She was preceded in death by her mother Dorothy L. Staege, grandparents Clarence and Margaret Olson and Lester and Alice Staege, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and her very dear friend Don.
She is survived by and her memory will be cherished by her daughters, Rebecca Savka (husband Reed, grandson Reed Elliot and step-grandaughter Alaina), Elizbeth Wickesberg (husband Tyler and granddaughter Ava), father John Staege and friend Barbara Steffenhagen, sister and brother-in-law Pam and Rocky Draves, brother and sister-in-law Pat and Lois Staege, nephew Tim Staege (and children) nieces Katie Staege and Christine Roering (Jeff and children), as well as all the good dogs she has had in her life. Deb would like to thank everyone for the wonderful memories and hopes she left a few behind.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Deb on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 11 am in St. Jude Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, corner of Sixth and Knapp Streets in Oshkosh with the Rev. Kevin Ripley as celebrant. A time of visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9 am until the time of Mass. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.
The family of Deb would like to thank the staff and friends at Evergreen Sharehaven as well as the hospice team at Generations Hospice for the wonderful compassion and care they provided for her.