Debra Janke

Debra Janke (nee Schuster) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at the age of 68.

Debbie was born in Milwaukee on February 3, 1953. She was the youngest of her family and greatly looked up to her older brothers and sister. After graduating from Washington High School, she began working in benefits for Woolworth’s. This work connection would eventually lead her to meet her husband, Robert, at the wedding of a co-worker. Debbie continued to work in benefits, and retired from Kohl’s corporate.

Family was extremely important to Debbie; she loved being an aunt, mother, and grandmother. Time spent with family and friends at cookouts, playing cards, celebrating holidays, camping, traveling, and lake/cabin visits brought her so much joy. Often the life of the party, she was known to come armed with brandy slush, water guns, and other games to keep everyone entertained.

Debbie enjoyed crocheting, most commonly creating kitchen towels which she gifted to many friends, family, and people who touched her life. She was also happy to crochet prayer shawls and blankets. She was an avid Packers football and Admirals hockey fan. She spent time in her retirement volunteering for Tosa Cares and caring for her grandchildren.

Debbie was a loving wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. Her exuberance and laughter will be deeply missed.

Debbie was preceded in death by her mother Agnes, father John, and older brothers John and Paul. She is survived by her husband, Robert; children Mary-Agnes, Robert (Mary), and Constance; grandchildren Robert and Anna; and sister Pamela Bukowski.

To honor Debbie’s fun personality and love of bright colors, the family encourages all to celebrate her by foregoing the traditional somber funeral attire and wearing their own favorite colors.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 12, 2021, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Funeral service at 2:00 PM. Private burial to be held at a future date.

For those who wish to send donations in lieu of flowers, please consider Milwaukee County Zoo (www.zoosociety.org/Support/) or Tosa Cares (www.tosacares.org/donate).