Obituary of Debra J Dillman

Debra J. Dillman, age 62, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 14, 2018 at First Congregational-United Church of Christ in Wisconsin Rapids. A time of visitation and remembrance for family and friends will precede the service from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church.  A celebration of life will follow the service at the Wisconsin Rapids Kiwanis Club.

Debra was born December 31, 1955 in Wisconsin Rapids to Arthur and Lois (Spencer) Gazeley.  She married Robert Dillman on October 30, 1979 in Wisconsin Rapids.  They were blessed with 39 years of marriage.

Debra was a licensed cosmetologist and hairstylist and owned and operated His and Hers Hair Salon in Wisconsin Rapids for many years.  She loved her career. She not only enjoyed cutting and styling her clients hair, but loved the many relationships she built with her clients over the years.

Family was the center of Debra’s life.  She enjoyed camping with family at Jellystone Park and spontaneous trips.  She loved keeping her home on Lake Wazeecha where family would gather for kayaking, swimming and picnics.  “G-ma” cherished game night with her grandchildren, complete with hotdogs in the fireplace, Mario, dominos and cards.  Crafting with the grandchildren and baking, including the Gingerbread House Challenge, were other favorite family activities.  When her children were young, Debra did her best to go on every field trip with them.  She volunteered to help with just about everything at school, including helping coach girls’ basketball.  She would even take the kids to work with her to help out, time the kids would later treasure.  Debra had a special place in her heart for animals, especially wounded animals, and would always try to nurse them back to health.  She was a proud pet parent to her dog, Zoe.

Debra is survived by her parents, loving husband, Robert; two children: Cara (David) Johnson, Wisconsin Rapids, and Nicki (Billy) Blucher, Wisconsin Rapids; grandchildren: Isaiah, Eve, Alivia, Adelynn, Bryson and Eliana; 2 sisters: Linda (James) Bulloch, Wisconsin Rapids, and Cheryl Gazeley, Wisconsin Rapids; and many other nieces, nephews and special friends.  She is preceded in death by her in-laws: Glenn and Irene Dillman.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to UW Cancer Center-Riverview and Dr. Kirschling for the wonderful care they provided for Debra and for the cookies.