In Loving Memory of
Debra Ann (Martens) Olmsted
May 31, 1953 – May 4, 2025
Sister. Cousin. Aunt. Friend. Wife. Mother. Gigi.
With great sorrow and just a little bit of drama (because she would’ve wanted it that way), we announce that Debra Ann Olmsted has garage-saled her way into the afterlife. She passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025 in her own bed, on her own terms surrounded by loved ones—and likely still giving them instructions. It fills our hearts with joy to imagine her entering the gates of heaven, her infectious laughter echoing as loved ones rush from all around to welcome her home.
Raised in Coleman, Wisconsin Debbie was a firecracker from the start—armed with an infectious laugh, a megawatt smile, and the unmatched ability to welcome people into her life with love and flair. She was a proud Domestic Goddess, which included (but was never limited to): beautifying women’s hair, throwing over-the-top theme parties, sunbathing like it was an Olympic event, binge-watching TV shows, yelling at slot machines, spoiling her grandkids rotten, losing at “Hand & Foot”, and crafting enough to single-handedly keep the decoupage and sewing industry afloat. She also made time to fly kites every year, cheer for high school sports, out fish anyone in walleyes, golf badly but enthusiastically, and serve as grand marshal in Martens’ Christmas parades. And yes—she was the reigning Queen Beaver of her world, and she wore that crown proudly like royalty. If you knew Debbie, you were probably hugged, fed, complimented on your outfit, and then dragged to a rummage sale. She had friends across the country and enough stories to make a campfire burn for decades. She is survived by her husband Thomas Olmsted; two daughters Carli (Nic) Hopf and Taylor (Matt) Cada; two adored grandchildren Baylor and Baker; five siblings Jean (Bill) Graef, John Martens, Cora (Rick) Haltaufderheid, Richard (Kathy) Martens, and Judy Martens; along with many loving nieces, nephews, life-long friends, several remote controls and tubes of Carmex, an excess of winter jackets, and at least one craft drawer that should probably be marked "Hazardous Materials."
She was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Marie Martens; a brother Michael Martens; her parents-in-law Arlyn and Ruby Olmsted; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Bill (Mary Lou) Olmsted, Jerome Olmsted, and Barbara Shampers.
A celebration of Debbie’s laughter-filled, chocolate-fueled life will be on held on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 3:00 PM – 6:45 PM with a short service to follow at 7:00 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca, WI. Attendees are encouraged to dress festively as Debbie loved her theme parties, and bring fun loving stories to share. In lieu of flowers, Debbie would want you to thrift something fabulous, eat dessert first, sing James Taylor at the top of your lungs, and always wear a white t-shirt (with a food stain on the chest).
Debbie: You were one of a kind, a total legend, and we are all louder, brighter, and better for having known you and your infectious smile.
http://www.hollyfuneralhome.com
