Deborah G. Ploegert

Deborah Gail (Henschel) Ploegert, age 71 passed away in La Crosse WI on February 2nd, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones (virtually and at her bedside) after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. A beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, Debbie was a source of love and kindness to all who knew her.

Debbie was born in Waukesha, WI to Arthur Frank and Doris Marie (Dorn) Henschel. She is survived by her siblings: 

• -Sandra (Jerry) Mehling (nephew Chris/Kristi [Ryan,Brady], and niece Cheri/Matt [Sara,Autumn,Amber]), 
• -Steve (Lynn) Henschel (nephew Tim/Julie, nephew Brian, nephew Craig/Jessica [Haylee, Bryce])
• -Bonnita (Tom) Greuel (nephew Matt/Heather [Gunner and Gwendolyn], niece Paula/Christopher [Grayson])
• -Pamela (Matt) Luebke (niece Julia/Matt)
• -Cynthia (Jamey) Oberbruner (nephew Jacob/Kelley)
• -Robin (Mike) Meyer
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And her children and grandchildren; daughter Jennifer and her children Ayden and Mikayla, and son Justin (Jaime) and their children Zane, Linus, Aurora.

When young, Debbie attended school, tended the family farm, and helped care for her siblings. She shared many fond memories of the farm, including her pony Pokey (Pocahontas) and funny times of being chased by the geese.

Debbie graduated from Arrowhead High School (Hartland, WI) in 1971 and later received several associate degrees in her lifetime. 

Some of her favorite hobbies were canoeing down the Bark River, snowmobiling in Boulder Junction, camping, bowling, going to the Milwaukee Zoo with family, and spending time with her siblings and extended family. Debbie was a skilled seamstress, making several wedding dresses, and various clothes/costumes for loved ones with skills she learned from her mother.

Throughout the years, Debbie, as a single mother, worked many jobs (often concurrently) to provide for her family and give them every opportunity she could. She fondly remembered the many years at Mid-State Technical College as a receptionist in Adams-Friendship, WI. She also worked for the Adams-Friendship school district running the after school and summer nutrition programs. She actively volunteered as a scouting leader, and took part in many cancer and suicide prevention walks.

For the last 20 years, Debbie lived in La Crosse near her daughter Jennifer. She helped to raise her oldest grandchildren Ayden and Mikayla. She cherished her time with her younger grandchildren Zane, Linus and Aurora. She loved watching all of them grow, learn and thrive.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025 followed by a visitation and light refreshments at Evert-Luko Funeral Home, 170 Warren Avenue in Hartland, WI until 1:00 p.m.