Debra Tepe

Debra Ann Tepe, 35, Wausau, died early Friday, September 23, 2016 at Asprius Wausau Hospital surrounded by her loving family following a severe allergic reaction.

Debra was born July 1, 1981 in Portage and was adopted and raised by loving parents Paul and Deborah (Schankey) Piskoty. She graduated from Wausau West High School. Debra married her high school sweetheart Jason Tepe on October 28, 2000 on top of Rib Mountain in Wausau. Jason and Debra later divorced but remained close and have been a model of co-parenting for their child. She diligently studied and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology while raising her children. Debra excelled as a Quality Assurance Analyst for West Business Solutions during the past 3 years.

Debra was an amazing daughter, sister and mother whose value in a loving family was unmatched. When a need arose with someone in her family, she would often drop everything and do whatever she could to help. Sometimes this meant that she herself would go without, especially when it came to her children. Debra's sense of humor and laughter were infectious. She could be extremely competitive playing Bananagrams with her mother and siblings, joking about stretching and wearing headbands before playing. The family was also known for having a very good time together, one time piling into a kiddie pool to go sledding.

Debra is survived by her loving parents, Paul and Deborah Piskoty; children, Edward Tepe, Christian Berry, Isaiah Johnson and Audrey Stephens; siblings, Sherry (Joe) Shereck, Jennifer Schroeder, Natashia (Brandt) Laughnan, April (Thomas) Coleman, Noah, Alaura and Symbria Piskoty; biological mother, Charlene (Randy) Lund; grandparents, Shirley Schroeder, Merlin and Elaine Schankey; great-grandmother, Arvilla Hays; ex-husband, Jason Tepe; and many extended family and dear friends. She is preceded in death by grandparents, Johanna Chapin and Lyle Schroeder; and great-grandfather, Macie Hays.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 30 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain. Pastor Craig Swenson will be officiating. A visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, September 29 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; resuming on Friday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to help her four children; Edward, Christian, Isaiah and Audrey, with their needs in the days and years to come. Proceeds will also help with funeral expenses. Please visit the Go Fund Me page set up by a friend at https://www.gofundme.com/2qpr3a4.