Marshall———Debra Frances Herman died peacefully on June 26, 2024, surrounded by her husband and
children. Debra was born on November 16, 1959, in Madison, WI to Ruth (Parr) and Bernard Broome. She grew up on the family farm near Marshall, WI. Debra married her high school
sweetheart and love of her life, Jeffry Herman on July 7, 1979. Deb had a lengthy career working for the State of Wisconsin in several different positions. She was proud of her many accomplishments as an outstanding employee including her roles as income tax specialist and employee payroll specialist.
Deb was a valued resource for any computer or tax question. Her skills with problem solving and computers made her a valued resource to many people throughout the years. She also possessed outstanding talents as an organizer. Deb thought of many innovative ways to help her parents as they aged on the family farm.
Deb’s greatest love and accomplishments in life included her roles as wife, mother and
grandmother. She was devoted to her family, mentoring them, guiding them, and enjoying every moment with them. Deb loved watching her children and grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, and numerous other school events. She also loved time at the cabin, trips to Door County with Jeff, bird and butterfly watching, being outdoors on the patio, family gatherings and her decluttering projects. Deb was extremely proud of who her children became as adults and delighted in every opportunity to spend time together. She loved and appreciated their spouses and embraced them into the family. The grandchildren were a delight to Deb; she cherished every moment with them and enjoyed their artwork and sweet antics.
Deb struggled with a neurodegenerative disease called Inclusion Body Myositis for many years, but never once complained. She knew that her time would be limited. She made special efforts to leave her children and grandchildren with a sense of who she is, what she valued and what she wished for them. She wrote many thoughtful notes and letters to remind them after she was no longer physically present. Deb exhibited great courage and strength as she experienced physical losses related to IBM. She was very spiritual and reflective, sorting out what truly matters in this life. “Material things are just things. It is relationships, experiences and love that matter.” She was grateful beyond words for the loving care Jeff provided these past years as well as the love and support of her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren. Deb was a calm, non-judgmental, determined, and intelligent woman who lived her life to the fullest despite the obstacles and challenges she faced.
Debra is survived by her husband of nearly 45 years, Jeffry; children Sarah (Scott) Gordon, Andrea (Chad) Schaub, Jeremy (Amber) Herman. She is survived by the grandchildren who delighted her daily: Hunter Davis, Liam Gordon, Brea and Blake Herman. Deb is grieved by her mother, Ruth Parr Broome and sisters Diane (Ron) Buss, Cathy (Bev Smith) Broome, and Jeanne (Rick) Pepping as well as mother-in-law, Marilyn Herman, sister-in-law Jan (Jamie) Benson, sister-in-law Mary Herman and brother-in-law Gary Herman. She is also survived by beloved nieces and nephews and many friends.
Debra was predeceased by her father, Bernard Broome, father-in-law Glen Herman and sister-in-law Sue Herman.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00a.m on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home, 302 Columbus St. in Sun Prairie Visitation will be held from 9:00am until the time of service.
Memorials may be made to The Myositis Association ( Inclusion Body Myositis)
Checks can be mailed to:
TMA
6950 Columbia Gateway Dr STE 370
Columbia, MD 21046
Memorial can also be made to Make A Wish Foundation of Wisconsin
Checks can be mailed to:
Make A Wish Wisconsin
11020 W. Plank Court STE 200
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Deb, Mom, Grandma: we will keep your spirit in our hearts always. We love you dearly.
Jeff, Sarah, Andrea, Jeremy, Hunter, Liam, Brea and Blake