Debra "Debbie" Ann Shadel passed away peacefully early morning on February 20th, 2026 with her loved ones by her side after a long list of health issues and a courageous battle to cancer.

Debbie was born on February 19th, 1960 in Baraboo, WI. She grew up in Hillpoint, WI where many family memories were made. After her family moved to Portage she remained in Hillpoint for a short time before following her family to Portage where she started a family of her own.

Debbie worked at Leahy's for 20 years, 10 years at WPS. During this time she started at Walmart since it opened and ended her working career with her family in the Walmart Pharmacy.

Debbie had two beautiful children which her world revolved around. She enjoyed camping when the kids were young and watching activities they were involved in as they got older. She loved dancing anywhere and everywhere she got the chance to. Debbie was always jamming out and had the music cranked up while running errands for everyone and anyone that needed anything. Her favorite hangout was Walmart where she went to work, find treasures, and socialize.

Debbie married the love of her life in 2009. They spent time going to dinner, hanging out with family, and snuggling together with their furbabies on the couch. Their best memories are spending it with their beautiful granddaughter "Lexi Lou" that they helped raise together. The bond as a small family later in life was a beautiful and unexpected gift that brought so much joy to them. Eventually more grandchildren came and stole more and more pieces of her heart, and she cherished every kiss and hug she could steal.

Debbie is preceded in death by her grandparents, sister Valerie Wilke, and niece Sarah Ott, whom she loved dearly. Debbie is survived by her husband Scott Shadel, parents Tom and Joyce Janney, siblings Monique (Ed) Heidtke, Joe (Emily) Janney, and John (Danielle) Janney, children Nick (Renee) Sainsbury, Brooke (Jimmy Blumenthal) Sainsbury, and Sara (William) Dahm, grandchildren, Alexis Foster, Savannah, Jase, Briggs, and Bryar Sainsbury, Grayson, Finn, and Jakob Dahm along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank SSM Health Hospice who made her laugh and feel safe, her Walmart family who we know loved her so much, and all who have helped through this time.

Debbie touched so many lives, and it would be impossible to measure that into words. She will be missed every day, but we have comfort that she is safe in the arms of our heavenly father.

In honor of Debbie, a very casual and relaxed Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 14th at Grace Bible Church in Portage. The visitation will be from 2:30-4pm with the Celebration of Life following directly after at 4pm.