Deborah Debbie Nickel

Deborah "Debbie" Nickel, age 74, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Debbie was born on March 15, 1951, in South Bend, Indiana, to Harold and Angelina Thornburg. She grew up in West Bend, Wisconsin, where she graduated from West Bend High School.
Throughout her life, Debbie's love for animals was at the heart of everything she did. She worked as a veterinary receptionist and owned and operated Camp Lafayette, her own dog boarding business. She was especially devoted to Shih Tzus, spending many years volunteering with rescues and helping dogs find their forever homes.
Debbie had a deep affection for all animals-especially tigers, leopards, and cheetahs-and her pets brought her immense joy. She also loved tending to her flowers and plants, and could often be found reading a good book surrounded by the things she loved most.
Debbie is survived by her son, Scott Kannass, and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Kannass; her grandchildren, Zachary and Nicole Kannass; her sister, Diana (Gary) Kirst of Kewaskum; her brothers, Leroy Thornburg of West Bend and Chris Thornburg of Illinois; and her brother-in-law, Ken Feucht of Kewaskum. She is further survived by her nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Angie Thornburg, and her sisters, Pamela Thornburg and Daryl Feucht and nephew Arin Thornburg.
A celebration of Debbie's life will be held at a later date.