Debra "Debbie" Diane Niespodziani

Debra “Debbie” Diane Niespodziani, age 69, of Franklin, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2024, due to medical complications. She was born on March 2, 1955, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, to Virginia (Cox) and Merlyn “Red” Dahl. Her youth was spent in Delavan, WI where she enjoyed a childhood with many happy memories surrounded by family and friends. She graduated from Delavan-Darien High School in 1973. She a ended UW-Madison and graduated from Gateway Technical Institute in 1977 with her nursing degree. Debbie provided loving care as a nurse, including working at the VA Hospital in Madison and Milwaukee. On June 28, 1980, Debbie married the love of her life, Richard “Rick” Niespodziani and they had two loving children – Pamela and Dan. Debbie soon turned her attention to being a loving wife and mother. She was always in a theater supporting her daughter’s love of the arts or a sports venue cheering on her son’s sports endeavors. She was the planner of family trips, showing her family a world full of life and wonder. She volunteered at countless functions, including the Milwaukee Ballet, her local church, and throughout her kids’ school career. She was President of the PTA, an advocate for students, and a Band mom who made sure all the kids and music staff had everything they needed to be a part of something special. All who knew Debbie knew of her “gift of gab.” She could engage anyone in conversa on, and her open heart never turned away a person in need. She had a deep faith in prayer. She would be often seen attending church at First United Methodist Church of West Allis and always remarked on the importance of family, faith and enjoying the beauty of God’s work – a beautiful sunrise, a shooting star, or a rainbow after the storm. Debbie had a way of making everyone in her presence feel important and special. However, her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, especially her three precious grandchildren- Abigail, Henry, and Clara. She loved having a home filled with her grandchildren running around laughing, enjoying her wonderful snacks, and sitting at her feet or snuggling beside her as she read them stories.

Debbie is survived by her husband Rick and by her children: Pamela Skocir (Michael) and Dan (Jen, nee Hammernik), grandchildren: Abigail Skocir and Henry & Clara Niespodziani, siblings: Kathy (David), Colleen, Tom (Susan), and Jim (Angie), an aunt, an uncle, cousins, and many nieces & nephews. She was a proud daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bob, brother-in-law Mark, sister-in-law Barbara and many aunts and uncles.

A private viewing with immediate family will be held at the request of Debbie and the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of West Allis or the Wisconsin Humane Society-Milwaukee Campus. The family wishes to thank Aurora at Home Zilber Family Hospice and Max A. Sass and Sons for their compassionate care.