Debbora Jean Winkelman

Debbora “Debi” Jean Winkelman, 73, of Tomahawk, WI, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, surrounded by the love she so freely gave throughout her life. Born to Jane Crass (Lamer) and Vern Lamer on September 12, 1952. Debi grew up in Tomahawk and graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1970. From an early age, she carried a kindness and warmth that would become her lifelong signature. On August 30, 1974, Debi married the love of her life, Larry Edward Winkelman, in Tomahawk. Together they built a life grounded in devotion, laughter, resilience, and unwavering support. As a proud military spouse, Debi embraced the adventure of service life. She especially cherished her time in Germany while Larry was stationed there, forming lasting memories and friendships abroad. Even after military life, Debi and Larry continued exploring the world together, traveling to Spain, Morocco, Turkey, France, and several other European countries. She had a deep appreciation for experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, and collecting memories along the way. Debi dedicated years as an administrative assistant before building a long and respected career as a Civil Servant. From 1985 until her retirement in 2004, She served as a Human Resources Specialist for US Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She was deeply committed to her work and took great pride in supporting the men and women who served our country. During those years, North Carolina truly became home to her. She loved the warmth, coast, the community, and life in the South, and she never hid her strong dislike for snow and cold weather. Though Debi would have happily stayed in North Carolina, Larry was insistent that they return home to Wisconsin. In November of 2006, they purchased The Cheese Shoppe in Tomahawk, bringing new life to a beloved local business. Debi poured her whole heart into it. She did not just run a store; she created a gathering place. Customers became friends, and friends became family. Many would stop in not only to shop, but simply to visit. Her welcoming spirit made everyone feel known, valued, and at ease. Retirement never truly slowed her down. Whether serving customers, supporting her family, or caring for others, Debi lived with purpose and generosity. Debi had a remarkable way of making everyone feel like family. If you met her, whether as a relative, neighbor, customer, or stranger; You were welcomed with open arms. Her home was a place of comfort, warmth, and unconditional love. Her compassion extended deeply to animals. No stray was ever turned away; each one found safety, care, and a permanent place in her heart and home. Her deep love of animals was a value she passed down to both Jennifer and Shane, leaving a legacy of compassion that continues through them. Debi’s legacy is one of love, freely given, deeply felt, and never forgotten. Her faith was quiet but steady, reflected in the way she lived, through kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. We find comfort in knowing she now rests in the presence of the Lord, reunited with those who have gone before her. While her earthly presence will be deeply missed, her light lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, and we trust that one day we will gather together again.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry Winkelman of Tomahawk, WI; her two children, Jennifer (Jim Ziesig) Winkelman of Portsmouth, NH, and Shane (Stacy) Winkelman of Highlands Ranch, CO; and her two beloved grandchildren, Harper Arvilla and Savannah Rose Winkelman, identical twins who brought immense joy and pride to her life. Debi is further survived by her four siblings: Vicki (John) Ament of Merrill, WI; Barb (Jim) Kluball of Marshfield, WI; Teri (Bob) Schoone of Tomahawk, WI; and Patrick (Lisa) Lamer of Tomah, WI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Jane Lamer.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026.  Visitation from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm. Luncheon to follow until 1:00 pm at United Methodist Chuch in the Fellowship Hall., 1104 School Road, Tomahawk.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the Lincoln County Humane Society https://furrypets.com/

“Death is like the leaving of a ship. She unfurls her sails in the red of the sunset and heads for

the horizon, leaving behind a group of mourners on the quay. As she disappears over the

horizon, someone sighs, “There she goes...” But at the same moment, on a distant shore

beyond the horizon, another group is waiting and someone cries delightedly, “Here she comes!”

(Author Unknown)

Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.nimsgernfuneral.com

Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family.