Debra "Debbie" Jean Knapp

Debra J. Knapp, age 62, of the Town of Maple Creek, Outagamie County, died peacefully at home on Sept. 21, 2024, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. 

Debra “Debbie” J. Knapp was born November 8, 1961, in New London, Wisconsin, to Reuben and Myrna (Schulz) Knapp. She was baptized on November 26, 1961, and confirmed in her faith on May 23, 1976, both at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Maple Creek. She graduated from New London High School with the class of 1980. She then was employed at First State Bank, Air Wisconsin, and most recently Miron Construction, where she worked the last 12 years as a Project Accountant on the Industrial Team.

She loved her music, from polkas to country to rock. She especially enjoyed Mile of Music and Octoberfest. She played organ, flute and piccolo, and also took an interest in guitar. She used her musical talent for her own pleasure and to bring praise to our Lord. Debbie and her sister, Lori, started polka dancing at a very young age, always making sure their dancing dresses twirled and their white fashion boots were dance worthy. Their dancing together continued over the years, traveling to polka festivals across the country and most recently at Pulaski Polka Days in July.

Debbie could talk to anyone, made friends easily, had a great sense of humor and was quick with comebacks. She loved to try new recipes and always cooked a special Mother’s Day meal for her mom. She enjoyed traveling and also earned her private pilot’s license; taking her parents on a memorable flight.

Debbie is survived by her mother, Myrna; her sister, Lori (Gary), Piatkowski, Kleinfeltersville, PA; aunts, Delores Heineman and Mary (Daryl) Hintz; uncles, William Schulz and David Baxter; and cousins and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Reuben in May of 2024; grandparents, George and Martha Knapp and Donald and Ella Schulz; aunts, Audrey Baxter, Hazel Schulz and Marjorie Schulz; uncle Robert Schulz; and cousin, Jim Ebert.

A memorial service will be held 11 AM on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Hortonville, with the Rev. Tristan Paustian officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 9 AM until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at the New Maple Creek Cemetery, Town of Maple Creek. 

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. 

A special thanks to Pastors Paustian and Westra for their care and encouraging words. 

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, is assisting the Knapp family with arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.