Lois Ellen Debbink

Lois Ellen Debbink (Ellen) died peacefully at the age of 91 on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at 4:28 pm at St. John’s on The Lake.

Ellen was a retired special education teacher, gifted athlete (tennis and golf), bridge shark, world traveler, and philanthropist.

Progressive, daring, and unfailingly classy, she also had a true heart for the underprivileged and was beloved for her generous spirit.

Ellen was preceded in death by both her parents, Claude John Debbink and Lois Elenor (nee Jacobs) Debbink; her longtime companion, Stan Simon; her grandniece, Sarah Joan (nee Debbink) Langenkamp; and many close friends.

She is survived by her brother, John Peter (Joan) Debbink; six nieces and nephews: Judy Debbink, Dirk (Terry) Debbink, Jeanne (Tony) Debbink, Christin Peterson, David (Cindy) Debbink, and Nancy (Carol) Debbink; twelve grand nieces and nephews; and fourteen great grand nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many friends, a number of whom she had known for a lifetime.

A service for family and friends will be held at St. John’s on The Lake January 21, 2023, at 3:00 pm. Ellen’s ashes will be interred in Oconomowoc at the First Congregational United Church of Christ Memorial Garden in the summer of 2023. Donations may be made in her memory to: University of Wisconsin Foundation, College of Letters & Science, 1848 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53726; or to Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, 212 W. Wisconsin Avenue, MIlwaukee, WI. 53202; or to Saint John's Foundation, 1840 N. Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202; Scholarship & Endowment Fund or Director's Fund for Charitable Care.