Debra Mueller

Debra Ann Mueller, born on June 20, 1959, finally found long-lasting peace surrounded by her daughters and sister, Cynthia, on August 31, 2017, following complications from a heart attack and stroke. Debra lived most of her life in Portage where she raised her two daughters. For many years, she managed various Kwik Trip stores in Portage. She worked tirelessly and took great pride in what she did, winning several company awards. For nearly the past decade, she managed the Dollar General store in Pardeeville, where she lived at the time of her death, still getting up at the crack of dawn to get her work done to her own high standards. Despite her pride in her work, Debra's greatest joy was her daughters who turned out just like her--strong-willed and fiercely independent. She created many great memories for us camping, hiking, going to the waterpark, and Brewer games. She instilled in us a love for the outdoors, critters, cooking, and reading. In fact, Stephen King lost one of his most devoted fans. She was an avid reader and loved any murder-mystery novel she could find.

Debra was preceded in death by her mother, Sharon Thomas (Stolarik), and her father, Alan Novander, Sr. She will be remembered by her daughters, Kelly (Graham) Welsh and Diane (Brad) Huck; her dearest grandchildren, Colin and Maryn; and her kitties, Willow and Waley. She is also survived by brothers Victor Novander and his twin Christopher, and Alan Jr., as well as sisters Cynthia Ryan and Laura Prescher, half-brother, Ryan Novander, and many nieces and nephews. We will forever love and miss you, mom, but we know you are finally feeling the peace and tranquility you so rightly deserved. We won't grow old together now, but we are comforted by the serenity we know you've found.

As she instructed, Debra will be cremated with the assistance of Cress Funeral Home. Also per her wishes, no service will be held. Her sister Cynthia will be hosting a celebration of Debra's life at the Portage VFW Hall, 215 West Collins Street, on Sunday, September 10, 2017, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for any friends or family who wish to honor the incredibly resilient woman she was. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a future donation to the Columbia County Humane Society in her memory. Her daughters wish to send a special thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses and social workers at UW Hospital's neurological ICU and general care units, as well as the special people at Agrace who made the end of our mother's life as comfortable as possible. We will miss you always, mom.

Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
608-837-9054