Debra K. Gainey

1958 - 2021

Debra K. Gainey

Manitowoc - Heaven gained another angel when Debra K. Gainey, age 63, of Manitowoc went to join her Lord on Monday, June 28, 2021, at home surrounded by her loved ones.

Debbie was born March 6, 1958 in Sheboygan, daughter to the late Joan (Steber) and Gordon Waldvogel. Due to her father's employment with the F.W. Woolworth Company, Debbie called many places home in her youth which inspired her lifelong love of travel.

Debbie met her husband of 40 years, Steve, at Creighton University while studying nursing. They married in May, 1981 in Omaha, Nebraska. Together they settled in Manitowoc, where they raised their four children, the joys of her life. Debbie dreamed of exploring the world. She and Steve traveled to many places, including Japan, Australia, South America, and many of our nation's most beautiful national parks.

Debbie dedicated 30 years of her life to providing comfort and care as an oncology nurse at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Two Rivers. Debbie was an avid volunteer for multiple organizations and always made time to help others with her many talents. Debbie had a special place in her heart for the Roncalli school system and spent many years assisting with the choir and musical programs. Debbie was also a fervent advocate for international relationships and was an ambassador for the Manitowoc International Relations Association (MIRA). She opened her home to many exchange students and visitors from multiple countries. Debbie loved learning about and experiencing other cultures.

Every Saturday at 4pm, Debbie could be found at St. Francis of Assisi - Waldo where she served as a sacristan. She had a passion for crafting, education, music, studying her faith, baking, theatre, and spending time with family and friends too numerous to count. Debbie was often remembered saying, "You know where I wish I was today? Disneyland," her favorite place on Earth. Debbie was forever a child at heart. She always looked for moments of magic and wonder in everyday life.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Steve; four children: Patrick Gainey, Timothy (Sara) Gainey, Maren (Zyanya Santana) Gainey and Ryanne (John) Komperda, and her adopted Chinese daughter, Zhang Yuxi (Echo); two brothers: Bruce (Dianne) Waldvogel and Tony Waldvogel; one sister: Kelly Von Oepen (Tim); mother-in-law: Agnes Gainey; two brothers-in-law: James (Sue) Gainey and Dan Gainey; and one sister-in-law: Jeanine (Keith) Hoffmann. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law: Richard Gainey.

A memorial mass to celebrate Debbie's life will be held on Friday, July 2, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1120 N. 15th Street, Manitowoc, Rev. Doug LeCaptain officiating. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th Street, Manitowoc, from 4:30 - 7:30 PM, and again on Friday, July 2, 2021 at the CHURCH from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

A private family interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations instead to be made to the American Cancer Society, the Domestic Violence Center, or the Roncalli School System.

The Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the Gainey family with arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com