Debra J. Hoeft

Debbie passed away peacefully on February 22. She was born May 29, 1957, the daughter of Ralph and Arline (Schroeder) Hoeft.

Debbie graduated as an RN from Mercy Medical Center School of Nursing in 1978 and furthered her education by studying psychology at UW- Oshkosh, became certified as a Healing Touch Practitioner, and was accredited through the ANA as a Certified Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist. She also attended classes at The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts studying Health and Life Coaching. Debbie loved her work as a nurse and considered her patients and co-workers as extended family. After working for forty years as a Registered Nurse, she retired in 2018.

Music filled her life. She enjoyed singing in the Oshkosh Choraliers and was on their Board of Directors. She was a member of the Oshkosh Chamber Singers and was an enthusiastic performer with Musicale and Oshkosh Community Players at the Grand Opera House in Oshkosh.

Debbie became an active volunteer with the Miss America Organization in 1974 and served on the Board of Directors of the Miss Wisconsin Scholarship Pageant. She made many close friends from all over the country during her many years with the pageant. She was also a volunteer at Lifest, Fox Cities Act of Kindness, and the EAA.

Her pet poodles…Nikki, Abby, and Gigi afforded her much joy and were like family to her. In Debbie's spare time she loved to travel and attend concerts. He favorite concert was Barbra Streisand’s farewell tour. Debbie traveled all over the globe and enjoyed sharing it with her travel buddies.

Debbie is survived by her special friend Jim Kucksdorf and family, Goddaughter Carrie Haws, aunts, uncles and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was proceeded in death by her father, mother and brother who passed as an infant. Her Special Aunt Grace Strum who passed the same day as Deb. We would like to think they went hand in hand to their next journey.

A funeral service will be held at the Westside Konrad-Behlman funeral home, 100 Lakepoint Drive, on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 1PM. Visitation will be from 11:00am-1:00pm.

A private burial will take place at Peace Lutheran Cemetery.

Debbie wishes to thank all those who supported her during her illness. A special thank you to her cousin Dianne Frank, Uncle John Schroeder & special friend Jim Kucksdorf who were by her side. We would also like to thank the staff at Froedtert.