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Debbie Sue Wiljanen, aged 71, passed away on January 5, 2024, after a lengthy illness. Debbie was born in 1952, worked as a secretary, and had a great love for children, serving on the NICE Community School Board for ten years. She is survived by her husband and two daughters, and memorial contributions in her memory are being directed to UPAWS (Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter) or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Debbie Sue Wiljanen, Humboldt Township Resident, Passes Away at 71
Debbie Sue Wiljanen of Humboldt Township, MI passed away on January 5, 2024. Born on July 23, 1952, in Ishpeming, Debbie married Dave Wiljanen in 1979, raising their two daughters in Humboldt Township. She was a dedicated secretary at Lakeview Elementary School, a member of the NICE Community School Board, and a passionate children’s advocate.
After completing airline school in Minneapolis, Debbie chose motherhood over a potential career in the airlines. She considered motherhood to be her greatest joy, pouring love and energy into raising her daughters. Also a skilled seamstress, Debbie often fashioned matching outfits for herself and her daughters for church. She cherished morning Bible readings with a hot cup of coffee.
Debbie was a music enthusiast, often humming a tune or playing the piano. She taught piano lessons and played for church choirs. A lover of animals, she fondly remembered her pets and showed great affection to chipmunks and songbirds.
In retirement, Debbie enjoyed outdoor adventures with her husband and friends, and trips to warmer climates. She leaves behind her husband, daughters Emily Salmio and Erin Wiljanen, two sisters, one brother, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorial services are set for 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 3rd at Koskey Funeral Home in Negaunee. Interment will follow in the Humboldt Township Cemetery. Donations in her memory are directed to UPAWS (Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter) or St. Jude Children’s Hospital instead of flowers. For more information, visit her memorial page at koskeyfuneralhome.com.
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