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Debra Usinger Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Debra Usinger
Leslie Scott Dienel
June 27, 2024
I can't believe it's been 12 years since your passing, my friend. I miss you especially this time a year when I'm in my garden here in Scituate, MA pulling out my weeds!! I'll never forget you! - Scotty Dienel
Denis and Sandra Dugan
July 26, 2012
Debra and I were in the Downtown Milwaukee Kiwanis Club together, serving as President and Secretary in 2006 -2007. What fun we had! My husband and I were fortunate to have enjoyed the special luncheon at Usinger's that Debra would often donate as a fund raiser. She served delicious Usinger products and those wonderful potatoes, told tales of her beloved elves, and fun stories of growing up in the Usinger family. She loved her family and the history they made in Milwaukee. She will always be with me.
Our deepest sympathies to the family. She spoke fondly of all of you.
Barbara Pitocco
July 22, 2012
Usingers is always a must when I visit home. May she be in peace with all her elves!
Barbara Pitocco
Paul Smith
July 18, 2012
Debra's enthusiasm, energy, and positive outlook on the world will be greatly missed. Her contributions to many causes including making downtown Milwaukee a more beautiful, exciting, and fun place will carry on despite the loss of her leadership.
Janice Hauf
July 17, 2012
To all of the Usinger family and company, I was so saddened to read of Deb's passing. I had the honor of talking with her on the phone a few times. One call was for my daughter who requested a copy of the translation for the mural in the retail store. She sent it gladly and spoke of it with such pride and happiness! My daughter and I cherish it, especially because my daughter had just recently learned German. She spoke of her employees as "her elves"...I believe they were! Milwaukee is richer for calling Usinger's it's own.
Angela Preslik
July 14, 2012
I am so saddened by this news. I work at an alarm co and for the last year I looked forward to our weekend talks, She worked tirelessly and would call me each Sat/Sun. Debra became my dear phone friend; discussing, books, art, movies, and family. I loved her wit, her humor and her amazing kind spirit. Joe, I am so sorry for your loss, But Heaven has welcomed an angel, an angel with the greatest laugh. You and her family are in prayers......
July 13, 2012
Although it has been 40 years since she was my student at University School, I remember Debra and am saddened at her passing. My condolences to the Usinger family and to all of Debra's friends and classmates.
Steve Rensch
Phoenix, Az
Alby Zatkoff
July 12, 2012
Deb was a well-known and highly respected member of the Class of '76 at Albion College in Michigan. With a style all her own and a unique laugh, she brought a sense of joy to all those who knew her. Committed to making the world a better place - Deb's interest in the Appalachian mountains and its people was one of her loves while we were in college. I can remember hearing stories of her road trips to Appalachia during spring breaks and her volunteer efforts. It was always great to see "Uze" at class reunions and hear her latest stories. Io Triumphe for a life well lived Deb, you will be missed, but not forgotten.
Anne Bayer Burke
July 11, 2012
Debra was a great pal in college. She made my college days fun, wacky and unexpected. She was a passionate woman, full of energy, love and loyalty to the Usinger family and its traditions.
I hope that memories of the treasured times you spent with her, and the support of friends and family, will bring you peace.
My deepest condolences,
Annabelle
Leslie Dienel
July 11, 2012
I first met Debra when we were freshman at Albion College. I was part of her group of friends she always referred to as "The Women". We had so many fun times together. She was a bridesmaid in my wedding 35 years ago and gave me the most beautiful rocking chair she got while she was down in Kentucky. We had a reunion of "The Women" at my house in Scituate, MA about 6 years ago and I'm so glad we did it. It was the first time we had all been together since Albion. I'll miss her.
Tori Lawrence
July 10, 2012
Debra was a high school classmate of mine and a good friend who could be counted on for her excellent character and sharp wit. She really made us all laugh! We will miss her very much. To her family and Joe, my sincere condolences.
Candee Erickson and John Brzek
July 10, 2012
We knew Debra through our involvement and commitment to the Milwaukee County Historical Society. Her generosity was contagious! Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Hans Weissgerber III
July 10, 2012
Debra was a great ally, mentor, and friend. She was part of my life on Old World Third Street for the past 25 years. Debra was tough, strong willed and always fair. I will miss her greatly. To the Usinger family, my deepest sympathies.
Thomas & Kathleen Huevler
July 8, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dorothy Henning
July 8, 2012
Debbie and Fritz attended my husband's funeral in Racine in 2001. When one of my daughters expressed their gratitude and surprise to see them, Debbie said, "Paul was family."
The Usingers have always treated me like family, too. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Antonio Zangaglia
July 8, 2012
I had the pleasure to make Debra's acquaintance back in 1972 when I spent my senior year at the University School of Milwaujkee as an exchange student. I still have a fond memory of her utmost kindness, friendliness and contagious laughter. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Brian Stevens
July 6, 2012
I'm very sorry to learn of your loss. My sincere condolences.
-former Usinger's employee
Danielle Riches
July 6, 2012
Dear Fritz, Nikki, Emily , and Gabby,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister and aunt. May her memory always be a blessing
Harriett Menos-Alioto
July 6, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear one. May her memory be eternal.
(Annunciation Church)
July 6, 2012
To the Usinger Family, While I wasn't in touch with Debra the last few years, I often thought of her laugh, her smile, her love of life. She and I enjoyed many wonderful years in the north woods at Kamaji. We went on a few trips together and I always enjoyed her trips to Kansas as well as my trips to the cabin. My thoughts and prayers go to your family at this time. She will be missed. Karan Witter Topeka, KS
July 5, 2012
Dear Usinger Family,
We were all deeply saddened when we heard
of Debbie's passing. We recall our childhood memories of good times and good Usinger food. Even though our family moved South, we would enjoy each time we could get together.
We will always remember Debbie's contagious laugh, her kindness and fun-filled spirit.
With sympathy, the Dernehl cousins
Judy Meer, Bob Dernehl, Mary Tate, Patti Harlow, Jeff Dernehl and Lynda Potratz
Mary Pistiner
July 5, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Deb was such a lovely person. We loved to chat whenever she came into the pharmacy...I will remember her with such fondness. She enriched my life and I am grateful for knowing her
Karen Chambers
July 5, 2012
I spent 2 years at Albion College with Debra, and remained friends for a long time after that- my last time seeing her was at the cabin on her pond. I have so many memories of Debra. She will be missed. My thoughts are with your family.
Andrea Mann
July 5, 2012
I will miss her unique laugh (more like a giggle), her smile, her ability to put everyone at ease, her sense of fairness and objectivity, her ability to have fun, her creativity and her thoughtful friendship. She will be missed by so many people. May her memory be eternal.
Michael Horne
July 5, 2012
I'll miss you, Miss U.
Bryan & Stephanie Griffith
July 5, 2012
Fritz and the entire Usinger family, My deepest sympathy and condolences to you. While I have not met Debra, my husband has has the pleasure of working @ the Florida plant for the last 2 years. In that time he has shared many fond stories of what a kind, generous, funny person Debra was to him. Her loss is so tragic, we feel as if we've lost one of our own. Debra's legacy will not be soon forgotten.
July 5, 2012
Fritz, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Peggy and Christopher Small
Dwight Freymiller
July 5, 2012
Condolence: To a Very caring family,your Debra. Will be missed by all!
Judy Taibl
July 4, 2012
Born and raised in Milwaukee, my husband and I are dedicated Usinger fans and your 'family' ships the goods to us in Virginia a couple of times each year. It's a taste of home --- and the true value of 'home' is it's people. You have our sympathy at this painful time.
Jim and Felicia
July 4, 2012
Deepest sympathy to the entire family. Hold in your heart the loving memories of Debra while holding one another at this difficult time.
July 4, 2012
I had the pleasure of getting to know Debra through my involvement with Dozer Day, a fundraiser for the Hamilton School District in Sussex, Wi. Debra was my first sale call. In minutes she had me laughing and we were talking about family and women issues. I remember telling her, I was nervous making a call to her. She said "We all put our pants on the same way everyday". That was Debra. She had a special gift in making people feel like you have known her for a lifetime. She will be sadly missed for her contagious laughter and wonderful personality. My thoughts and prayers are with the Usinger family.
Ginger Kraus
Food Concession Chair
Dozer Day
Mary Zuel-Schuster
July 3, 2012
Fritz, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time.
Bruce Brain
July 3, 2012
I first became acquainted with Debra through my mother, whom Debra nicknamed "THE EVSTER", Evie Braun. I will miss her. She was a real treasure to Usinger's. May she rest comfortably in God's hands.
Sincerely,
Bruce Braun
Jean Lambo
July 3, 2012
To my dear friend Debra, Thank you for your friendship, your encouragement and your kindness to the Cedarburg Cultural Center. Till we meet again, save me some peanut M & M's in heaven!
Leia Schweigert
July 3, 2012
I will miss your smile and your contagious laugh. Leia Schweigert
Jim Pittelkow
July 3, 2012
To Debra's Family -
While I have known Debra for several years, it is in the past 10 or so with both of us being involved with the Downtown Kiwanis Club that I came to know her well. As a past President and a dedicated committee volunteer, it was a pleasure to work with her. The local business and volunteer environment suffers a great loss. Many will miss her, however heaven is now a better place.
David Tacke
July 3, 2012
We very must missed Debbie at our recent high school reunion. She will be remembered by all of us.
Debbie (Johnson) Thon
July 3, 2012
I enjoyed working for Debra while at Usingers quite a few years ago. I have many good memories of her. To the entire Usinger family, I am very sorry for your loss.
July 3, 2012
I met Debra when she bought her house in Cedarburg...what a delightful woman! She will be greatly missed by her family AND the community.
My sympathies to all the family.
Pati Ogden
July 3, 2012
Our thoughts are with all the family.
Will and Marilynn Ruch
Petra Theurich
July 3, 2012
Thank you, Debra, for keeping the history of Usingers and the art of German sausage-making alive in Milwaukee and nationwide. Hoch soll Sie leben!
Deb, Kate & Karie Jones
July 3, 2012
Joe, we didn't know Debbie real well but understand the depth of your loss. You are always welcome in our home. Give us a call when you are ready (414) 640-0714. You are in our prayers and thoughts. You have an angel from above looking over you.
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