Deborah Klinkert

Deborah "Deb" Ann Klinkert passed away peacefully at her home in Mequon, Wisconsin on September 19, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous 18-year battle with cancer.

Deb was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to Lorraine (Glodowski) and Gerald Klinkert on June 12, 1956. She was preceded in death by her father Gerald. She is survived by her mother Lorraine, her husband of 38 years Dan Wichman, and her daughters: Katie Reichl (Daniel) with children Caleb, Nora, and Owen; Sarah Wichman (Chris Gall), and Laura Wichman (Mark Burns). She is also survived by her sister Diane Maslakow and brother Scott Klinkert.

Deb graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Wisconsin–Madison. She was the only woman in her graduating class and graduated as a General Motors Scholar. She began her career at Trane in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she designed truck refrigeration and met her future husband Dan.  He instantly knew she was the one.

Deb and Dan moved from La Crosse to Milwaukee and finally to Minneapolis, where they married and built their life together. Their marriage was a true partnership. Deb and Dan lived out their vows in sickness and in health, always a team. Together they raised their daughters encouraging both roots and wings, giving them a strong foundation and the courage to soar – modeling love, resilience, and devotion.

Deb built a 30-year career at Onan/Cummins designing generators for RVs. She always made time to mentor young engineers. She earned six patents and helped pave the way for women in engineering, all while putting her family first.

While she was passionate about her career, being home for her daughters after school, attending every afterschool event, and sitting down for a family dinner were always the top priority. Her creativity shone in elaborate birthday parties with scavenger hunts and craft projects, and in the handmade Christmas gifts she helped her daughters create.

Deb showed her daughters how to be strong, independent women. Laura earned her doctorate in Physical Therapy, while Katie and Sarah both pursued their PhDs in Engineering. Inspired by Deb and Dan's genuine partnership in marriage, all three daughters have built relationships Deb is proud of.

Deb and Dan retired and moved to Mequon, Wisconsin to be close to family. She became an extraordinary grandmother, known for photo scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, playdough construction, and countless craft projects.

Deb was also the family historian, preserving family history through photos that she organized into books and keepsakes that people could gather around. She loved surprising friends and family by sending them old photos, sparking memories and stories that brought people closer together.

She first discovered pottery in high school and returned to it in retirement, with Dan's help setting up a studio in their home. She founded "3 daughters klay" in honor of her daughters and signed each piece "3dk." She delighted in sharing her creations with family and friends, finding joy in giving as much as in making. She joined the Cedarburg Art Guild and earned recognition for her Tybee Island vase.

Diagnosed in 2008 with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, she endured chemotherapy, radiation, and later major surgery when the cancer spread. She lived with grace and courage, inspiring everyone with her strength and resilience. Dan and Laura were honored to care for Deb through these challenges.  A special "thank you" to her doctors and the amazing staff at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota who provided 18 years of incredible care and compassion.

Known for her determination, competitiveness, humor, and gift for storytelling, Deb touched countless lives. Deb's legacy lives on in her professional achievements, her devotion to family, her creative spirit, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

Services

Visitation: Sunday, September 28, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Memorial Service: 12:30 PM

Schramka-Densow Funeral Home, 423 North Main Street, Thiensville, WI 53092

Memorial Donations

Donations may be made to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation at accrf.org .