RICHLAND CENTER - Debra Lynn Walling, age 71, of Richland Center, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 7, 2026. She was born on September 4, 1955, in Richland Center, WI, the daughter of Duane and Selma (Dalberg) Rinehart.

Deb graduated from Richland Center High School in 1973. She was united in marriage to Alan Walling on January 29, 1977, in Richland Center.

Deb dedicated her working years to caring for and serving others. She worked as a cook at the Richland Center Airport and Center Lanes, and later at Schmidt Woodland Hills and Harvest Guest Home, where she served as an activity director. She spent the final 22 years of her career at Richland Hospital, retiring due to medical reasons.

Deb was an active and engaging member of her community. She was a proud member of the Ithaca Lions Club and Richland Center United Methodist Church.

Deb cherished the time she spent with her family and loved being there to support and encourage those she cared about. She was a devoted supporter and enthusiastic cheerleader at the sporting events, school activities, and dance recitals of her many nieces, nephews, and friends’ children. She enjoyed bowling and a relaxing evening fish boil at Kaul Park.

Deb is survived by her husband, Alan; sister, Diane Christensen; brothers, Dick (Jan) Rinehart, Dean (Lori) Rinehart and Jon (Mary) Rinehart; brothers-in-laws, Jim (Chris) Walling and Tom Walling; sister-in-law, Cheryl Longmire; nephews, David (Deb) Christensen, Steve (Stephanie) Christensen, Troy Rinehart, Andrew (Brooke) Rinehart, Heath Walling, Chad (Jennifer) Longmire, Chet Longmire, Keith Walling and Randy Byrnes; nieces, Michelle Rinehart, Amy Rinehart, Meghan (Tristan) Stenslien, MacKenzie Rinehart, Heather Walling, Angie (Mike) Ewing, Tara (Boyd) Gallati, Tanya Walling, Mary Walling and Jessica (Travis) Ringelstetter; special friends, Jeana, Tanya and Tara; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by father, Duane Rinehart; mother, Selma Vranek; and stepfather, Ken Vranek; mother-in-law, Lulua Walling; three brothers-in-law, Jim Haight, Rocky Longmire and Bob Walling.

A funeral service will be held at RICHLAND CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 400 E. Seminary, Richland Center, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, with Pastor Mitch Richards presiding. A luncheon follow will follow at The Phoenix Center, 100 S. Orange St., Richland Center. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Burial will take place at Richland Center Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Debra Lynn Walling

September 04, 1955 - September 07, 2026

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