Debbie R. Schairer, nee Nickel, 49, of West Bend, passed away Saturday, April 1, 2006 at home surrounded by her family.
She was born on September 30, 1956 in Waupun to Roland and Bernice (nee Minz) Nickel and was raised in the town of Wayne. Debbie graduated from Kewaskum High School in 1975 and then attended Moraine Park Technical School in Fond du Lac. She graduated from there in 1980 with an LPN Degree.
For the past 29 years, until her illness prevented her, she has worked at the Cedar Lake Health Care Center and also for Heartland Home Care and Hospice.
On May 15, 1993 Debbie was united in marriage to Jacob Schairer in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Together they made their home in West Bend.
She was a life long member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in the town of Wayne. Debbie enjoyed her family, her work, and traveling.
She is survived by her husband, Jake; her father and step-mother, Roland and Shirley Nickel of Theresa; four sisters, Marilyn Schmaulz of West Bend, Delores (Jerry) Crago of West Bend, Dianne (Harry) Disler of Theresa, and Dawn (Brian) McCambridge of Campbellsport; seven brothers, David (Ann) Nickel of Los Angles, CA, Dennis (Sue) Nickel of Slinger, Dale (Janet) Nickel of West Bend, Darvin (Jane) Nickel of Mayville, Donald (Eileen) Nickel of Newburg, Duane (Linda) Nickel of Theresa, and Darrel (special friend Jane) Nickel of St. Killian; five sisters-in-law, Virginia (Ed) Habersetzer, Marian (Richard) Kreif, Julie (Jerry) Zimdar, Irma Schairer, and Rosie Schairer; four brothers-in-law, Ivan Schairer, Robert (Jeane) Schairer, John (Kathy) Schairer Jr., and Paul (Cheryl) Schairer; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Bernice Nickel, and her parents-in-law, John and Iremina Schairer, Sr.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in the town of Wayne. Rev. Steven Bode will officiate and burial will follow in Zion Church Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home, West Bend, on Tuesday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm with a short prayer service and time for eulogies at the conclusion of the visitation. There will also be visitation at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society in recognition of Debbie's many years of joining in the Relay for Life Cancer Walk are greatly appreciated.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Vukelich and the staff at Kettle Moraine Oncology, Horizon Hospice, and all of Debbie's friends who have helped her over the years during her illness.