Ottem, Debra M.

(Nee Dreier) Born to eternal life March 25, 2017 after a long battle with cancer. Preceded in death by daughter Abbey, birth mom Rochelle Deaton, and sister Deborah Deaton. Survived by her husband Tim of 33 years, daughters Amber and Lexy, mother Janice and Donald Dreier, brother Dan, sisters Tammy and Dawn, brother-in-law Robert Ottem, nephew Jason Ottem, and niece Allison Dreier.

Deb was born in Milwaukee and adopted by Don and Jan. She grew up in Green Bay and attended Bay Port High. Upon graduation she went to UW-Stout where she graduated in 1984 in hotel and restaurant management. In October of 1984 she married the love of her life Tim. She spent several years in the food service business where she received many awards. In the mid-90’s Deb took a break from her career to spend more time raising her family. During this period she worked part time driving school bus in Mequon. As the children grew up she was able to return to food service in a more relaxed mode. Always the fighter, she never quit working even though she battled 4 bouts with cancer and a liver transplant.

Deb had strong religious beliefs. She read the Bible every day and lived her life as God would have wanted her, always making sure her family’s needs were taken care of first. She was devoted to her family and friends and was happiest when she could do some gourmet cooking for all. She even made sure the needs for her full time companion Molley her lap dog were taken care of.

She got her biggest enjoyment spending weekends and vacations at the cabin at Wheeler Lake. This is where she met Time. She spent her time there with her closest friends swimming, boating, snowmobiling, cooking, and just relaxing. Her favorite time of the year was fall. She so enjoyed the colors. Deb called it God’s artwork.

Deb will always be remembered as a loving and caring person who lived her life as the Lord would have wanted her.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 30 from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home, then Friday, March 31 from 9-10 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church (247 S Main St, Thiensville) with a service at 10 AM. Burial Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wisconsin Lions Camp (3834 County Rd A, Rosholt, WI 54473) are appreciated.

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