Debra Anne Wikel

The fifth of six children, Debi was born in Geneseo, Illinois to Lloyd and Margaret (Ghesquiere) Kroeger. At age three, Debi moved with her family to Oregon where they first lived on a farm near Scio until relocating to the Albany area where she completed her education. After graduating from West Albany High school in 1982, she moved to Salem, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Debi worked for the State of Oregon for many years, retiring in 2024. During her time there, she met Mel, the love of her life. They married in the spring of 2009 and were devoted to each other ever since.

In her free time, Debi enjoyed traveling both near and far. She especially enjoyed escaping Oregon’s winter gloom in search of sunny destinations. At home she was always busy creating a beautiful home and garden and caring for her beloved Pomeranians. Her most recent puppy, Liberty Rose (Libby) was a cherished gift from Mel for her birthday last year. Debi was an avid quilter and spent many happy hours planning and executing intricate designs, some taking years to complete. She also loved day trips touring with Mel in his restored MG.

Debi was a longtime member of Saint Edward’s Catholic Church in Keizer, where she remained steadfast in her faith. She had a beautiful voice and a special affinity for expressing her devotion in song.

She is survived by her husband, Melvin Wikel, siblings Jean (Tim) Coddington, Dan (RaNee) Kroeger, Cyndi (Dan) Haider, Loren (Emil) Kroeger, her niece Jessalyn Satterlund and her nephew Zebulon Kroeger. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Karen.

We will miss her beautiful smile and gentle soul.

Services will be held at Saint Edward’s Catholic Church in Keizer, Oregon. A viewing on October 7, 2025 begins at 10:00 am, followed by a rosary at 10:30 am, and mass at 11:00 am. A reception will be held immediately following mass at the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity supporting pets, The American Cancer Society, or The Society of the Little Flower.