Deanna J. Walczak

Madison - Deanna Jean (Oilschlager) Walczak, age 80, passed away on January 8, 2025 at BrightStar Senior Living of Madison.

Born on October 18, 1944 in Wisconsin Rapids to Clemence and Myrtle (Randrup) Oilschlager, Deanna grew up on the family farm outside of Port Edwards, Wisconsin. She graduated from John Edwards High School in 1963. Following high school she attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she received a degree in music education in 1967. As part of her education, she was a proud member of the Luther College concert band.

Deanna began teaching elementary music in the Appleton, Wisconsin school district later in 1967. She always loved music and enjoyed sharing that love of music with her students. While living in Appleton she met Jay R. Walczak. They were married in 1973, and welcomed a son, Jay D., into the world in 1974.

Deanna's teaching career came to an end in 1980 when a car accident left her permanently disabled. After extensive rehabilitation, she lived in Port Edwards with family for several years. She moved to Madison in 1992 with son Jay when he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin. She lived her last few years at BrightStar Senior Living.

Deanna is survived by her son, Jay of Madison; brother, Ron (Brenda), also of Madison; a niece, Sara Camacho of Verona, Wisconsin; and great nieces, Solana Noble and Mariana Camacho of Verona. She was preceded in death by her parents.

There are no services scheduled. Private family entombment will be at Forest Hill Mausoleum in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service, Madison, is assisting the family. Please share your memories of Deanna by posting in her Guestbook at: www.CressFuneralService.com.