Deborah "Debbie" Pethan

Deborah “Debbie” Jean Pethan (nee Dallmann), age 77 years, of West Bend, formerly of Hilbert was called home to be with the Lord on July 25, 2025 in her West Bend home, surrounded by her loving family. Debbie was born on January 26, 1948 in Appleton to Roland and Edna Dallmann (Federwitz). She was united in marriage to Joseph Robert Pethan on June 26, 1971 at St. Mary’s Church in Hilbert.

Debbie graduated from Chilton High School in 1966 and went on to earn her cosmetology degree from Appleton College of Cosmetology, beginning a long career as a beautician. While raising their three children, she also helped Joe build and run the family business, Pethan Auto Sales and Service. After the kids graduated, Debbie worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Appleton for 15 years. She and Joe lived in Hilbert for many years before moving to their lake home on Lake Noquebay in Crivitz in 2008, spending winters in Chandler, Arizona. In 2024, they relocated to West Bend to be closer to family as Debbie faced health challenges.

Debbie found her greatest joy in her family, especially her eight grandchildren, who could always count on a freezer stocked with popsicles and ice cream sandwiches. She now reunites with one beloved grandchild, Sara, who preceded her in death, surely spoiling her in heaven. Debbie cherished time at the family lake house on Lake Noquebay, always happy to be on the pontoon, as long as she didn’t have to get in the water! Her favorite moments were family dinners and holidays, when she could see everyone gathered around the table, laughing and sharing life together.

Those Debbie leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband of 54 years, Joseph; three children, Steve (Kelly) Pethan, Stefanie (Mitch) Bruns, and Sandra (Rob) Stehly; eight grandchildren, Abby, Alex, and Jack Pethan, Austin and Tyler Bruns, and Nolan, Joshua, and Isabella Stehly; sister, Diane (Roger) Krueger; and sister-in-law, Denise Dallmann. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Sara Pethan; sisters, Bonita (Gerald) Eickert and Charlotte Seehawer; and brother, Ronald “Horton” Dallmann.

VISITATION: The family will greet relatives and friends on August 14, 2025 from 1:00 pm until 3:45 pm at Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home; 1315 W Washington St.; West Bend, WI 53095.

SERVICE: A Memorial Service in remembrance of Debbie will take place at 4:00 pm with Pastor Ryan LaTour officiating.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton and Aurora At Home Hospice for their care and compassion.

Please consider signing our online guest book (www.myrhum-patten.com) to share your condolences with the family. Cards addressed to the family may be sent in care of: Myrhum – Patten Funeral and Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, WI 53095.