Debra Calnin

Debra Ann Calnin, age 63, passed away unexpectedly at the family cottage in Keshena, WI on July 26, 2024. She was born on July 27, 1960, to John and Yvonne (Ott) Calnin and raised with her brother in Appleton. Following graduation from Appleton West, and the arrival of her four children, she went on to study at UW Fox Cities.

Music was a great passion for Debra. She took up the flute from a young age, going on to play in both the Appleton and Neenah Community bands. From Zeppelin to Mozart, she delighted in enjoying live music. She was also bit hard by the travel bug and encouraged such in her children by taking them to Egypt, down to southern Florida, and skiing in the Rocky Mountains. She also travelled to locales such as Thailand, Italy, Bulgaria and loved the time spent there with great friends.

The community in Naples FL became a heartbeat for her. She was involved in the arts centers there, and enjoyed the community she was so fully absorbed into. She loved to attend the symphony in Naples, and especially enjoyed walking the beaches. Among her favorite things was the time spent with her feet in the ocean.

A true believer in the AFS mission to “empower people to become globally engaged citizens by delivering meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world,” Debra hosted multiple exchange students.

Debra is survived by her children: Renee (Adam) Schulz, Jacquelyn Guthrie, Jonathon (Emily) Jacobs and William “BJ” Jacobs; grandchildren: Aiden, Evelynn, Adelaide, Ellis, June, Esmay, Harlan; her mother Yvonne and brother David. Additionally, she is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many good friends both in Wisconsin and Naples, FL.

She was preceded in passing by her father John Calnin, grandparents John & Rose Calnin and Oscar and Bernice Ott as well as other family and friends.

A celebration of life and memorial gathering will take place Monday August 12, 2024, at Wichmann funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 9:00 -11:00. A time of sharing stories, memories and the music Debra loved will take place at 11:00am.