RUTLAND - Debra Kay (Merkel) Loughrin died peacefully at her home in Rutland, Wis., in the early morning of May 28, 2024. She was 70 years old.

Debra “Debbie” was born in Appleton, Wis., on June 24, 1953, as the youngest of five children to Ivan and Ethel (Sell) Merkel. She began dating the love of her life, Peter “Pete” Loughrin, when they were juniors at Appleton West High School. Debbie and Pete were married on Dec. 15, 1973, and shortly thereafter moved to Madison, Wis., after Pete finished his bachelor’s degree. They had five children together, Jason (Elizabeth) Loughrin, Beth Rauch, Ryan (Veronica) Loughrin, and twins, Emily (Zenon) Kochan and Sara (Joel) Marshall. All five children currently reside in the Madison or Milwaukee areas and collectively have Debbie and Pete’s 10 grandchildren, Ian, Patrick and Claire (Jason); Brooke (Beth); Tai (Ryan); Kailey and Olivia (Emily); and Makenzie, Sydney and Blake (Sara).

Debbie happily assumed the caretaker role for her and Pete’s young family, which at one time included five kids all under the age of 5. She adored being a mother, starting a trend of selfless service that would continue her entire life. Debbie was always there for her kids, attending events, activities, and games with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. She also volunteered her time at schools and other organizations and devoted herself to setting up her kids to lead successful lives of their own.

When her kids were older, Debbie returned to school to complete her nursing degree at Edgewood College, graduating summa cum laude in 1998. She then took on a new caretaker role, serving as a Registered Nurse at the Madison School District, Sunny Hill Nursing Home, UW Hospital, and Dean Medical Center where she excelled in patient care under difficult circumstances.

Debbie put her working career aside to focus on her own health due to heart ailments and rheumatoid arthritis. She was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer and aggressively battled that disease for the rest of her life. Many of her doctors and friends commented on her strength as she fought her health challenges with courage and conviction.

Through it all, Debbie loved spending time with her family whenever possible. Debbie was also a master quilter and enjoyed gardening and beach vacations.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 50 years, Pete; all her children and grandchildren listed above; sister, Carol (Boyd) Grimmer; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lois (Paul) Brown; and brothers, Ronald (Connie) Merkel and Gary (Mary Alice) Merkel.

While her family and friends are heartbroken, they are grateful for the time they were given with the help of her care team at UW Carbone Cancer Center.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, with a time of remembrance at 3 p.m., led by John Berg. All are welcome to attend. Debbie will be interred at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona in a private family ceremony at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Debbie’s honor to Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance (WOCA) or Gynecological Cancer Research in care of UW Carbone Cancer Center. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515

Debra Kay Loughrin

June 24, 1953 - May 28, 2024

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