Deborah A. ‘Debby’ Wiltzius

She was born on October 1, 1960 in Escanaba, daughter to Kenneth E. and Patricia A. (Grzybowski) Taylor. Debby was raised in Bark River and graduated from Bark River Harris School in 1978.

Debby married Michael J. Wiltzius and they had two sons, Joseph and Travis. While raising her sons, Debby returned to further her education at Bay College.

She was employed with Community Action as the senior assessor for 28 years, retiring in November of 2023.

Debby’s pride and joy were her family and spending time with her grandchildren. Her world revolved around them. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking and entertaining for others, and had an artistic knack for decorating. Debby had a passion for helping others and even in her dying hour she continued to help by being an organ donor.

Among survivors are her children, Joseph (Jackie) Wiltzius and Travis (Kristina) Wiltzius, all of Escanaba; grandchildren, Claire, Henry, Connor, Autumn, Waylon, and Jolene; mother, Patricia Taylor of Gladstone; siblings, Dawn (Harley) LaCarte of Cornell and Dwaine (Debra) Taylor of Escanaba; half-sister, Tammy (Donald) Manninen of Trimountain, Mich.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ken Taylor and former husband, Michael Wiltzius.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 12 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church with Rev. Ryan Ford officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Gardens of Rest Cemetery. A meal will be served in the church hall. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.