Debra J. Winnen

Debra J. “Debbie” Winnen, age 64, passed away unexpectedly at ThedaCare, Appleton on April 5, 2025. She was born on February 27, 1961, to James and Jeanne (Baldini) Flannery, in Ishpeming, MI. She grew up in Negaunee, MI and attended Negaunee High School, graduating in 1979. Following high school, Debbie married Roy Winnen. The couple moved to Oxnard, California, then moved to Peshtigo and finally landed in Appleton, WI in 1989. It was in Appleton that they began their family.

Debbie enjoyed doing everything and always had busy hands. She was a master crafter, working yarn crafts, Christmas cards, and baking-especially Christmas cookies. She loved to decorate for any and all holidays. Of note, the St Patty’s Day décor just came down and the Easter décor had already been installed. Holiday décor was a revolving door at the Winnen house. Debbie loved the little kids and enjoyed doing daycare in her home.

Debbie enjoyed the yearly girls’ wine-tasting trips with her high school classmates and enjoyed meeting friends for coffee every week. She also enjoyed spending time in Door County with her husband and friends. She enjoyed a trip to Hawaii and was looking forward to another trip upcoming. Debbie loved returning to the U.P. to visit.

Debbie enjoyed attending all the sporting events for sons Luke and Bryce. She seldom, if ever, missed a game. She enjoyed traveling to any and all events with Roy. She loved life and especially loved the people in her life. Debbie was fortunate to receive a good-night kiss from her little dog Sadie each night.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband Roy, sons Luke and Bryce Winnen, her parents, brothers Michael (Norma Cerrato) Flannery and Dean Flannery; brothers and sisters-in-law: Joseph Winnen, Mark (Susan Saine) Winnen, Susan (Rob McIvor) Grant, Marion (Jeffrey) Johnson; as well as nieces and nephews: Liesl (Luke) Jacobson, Christopher (Elizabeth) Winnen, Courtney (David) Woosencraft, Jaclyn Johnson, Molly (Drew) Marod, Lauren (Jeff) Wulliman, Camille Grant, Cameron Grant. She is further survived by a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends as well as her little dog Sadie.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents on both her father and mother’s sides, her in-laws: Roy and Zita Winnen, as well as her uncle Thomas Baldini and nephew Eric Winnen.

A funeral liturgy will take place on Saturday April 12, 2025, at 11:00am, at Holy Spirit Parish, 600 E Kimberly Ave, Kimberly. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00am until mass begins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in her memory.