Friday, January 24, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, Deborah (Peterson) Nowak. Deb passed away Friday, August 23 after a courageous battle with COPD and lung cancer. Her laughter, kindness, and compassion, blessed the lives of all who knew her. She is truly missed.
Deb was a hard-working woman. She worked construction for many years, but her favorite job was selling auto parts. She made many friends and memories that stayed with her all her life.
Deb enjoyed spending time with her family. Being one of 10 children might sound challenging, but it gave her great joy and awesome stories to tell! She’d spent many hours, playing cards, drinking coffee, celebrating holidays, and chatting on the porch with her siblings, nieces, and nephews. She always said, and truly believed, that she was the richest woman ever because of the close bonds of family. Later, when she had grandchildren, they quickly became her reason for living, best friends, and partners in countless shenanigans. The bond she shared with them was truly special, filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures.
Deb was greeted in Heaven by her mom and dad, Ralph and Myrel Peterson, her sisters, Karryn Becker, Jennie Kriescher, and Cindy Smith, and brothers-in-law, Billy Kriescher and Gene Guibord. Joining in the glorious reunion were her nieces, Peggy Bowden, Ellyssa Peterson, great nephew Brodey Manske, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and friends. What a celebration it must have been!
Left here to carry on her memory and legacy of love and laughter are her daughters, Laurie (Jeff) Nelsen and Dawn (Al) Zempel. Her grandchildren, Tristen (Victoria) Oleck, Kennedy Nelsen(JJ Charapata), Collin (Justice) Oleck, Bryce Zempel, Raegan Nelsen, and Elliot Zempel. Her sisters, Connie (Pat) Kallenbach, Corrina Guibord, Lanita Peterson, Tammy (David) Rabbie, Brenda Peterson, brother, Rory Peterson, brother in law, James Smith, as well as many very special nieces and nephews.
Although Deb is missed every single day, we take comfort in knowing that Mom knew love in her life. She gave it freely and received it graciously. She really was rich in that way. Until we meet again, we will keep her memory with us.
The family would like to especially thank her BFF and neighbors, Lynda and Mark Rowell for your love and support. We couldn’t have done it without you.
A special thanks to Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Khayat, her most trusted allies, as well as the staff at Bay Area Cancer Center in Marinette. You made a horrible situation one that Mom actually looked forward to because of how wonderful and hopeful you made her feel each week. We can’t thank you enough for your kindness and care. She loved you!
Thank you to Rhodes Charapata Funeral Home, specifically JJ Charapata in making this, our most difficult time, one that Mom would truly be happy with. Thank you for loving her, you held a special place in her heart.
Lastly, thanks to all our family and friends who have reached out in some way. Your thoughts, prayers, visits, calls, and love have carried us through this. Please keep us in your prayers.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 13 at Rhodes Charapata Funeral Home in Crivitz. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 AM, with services at 11. A luncheon will be served at the Village Hall in Crivitz, immediately following the services.
