Obituaries

Debra Lynn VandenBranden

05/22/1959 - 01/01/2023

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Obituary For Debra Lynn VandenBranden

Debra Lynne (McKenzie) VandenBranden, age 63, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died at the UP-Health Systems in Marquette, Michigan, on January 1, 2023. She was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on May 22, 1959, to Richard A. and Mary Ann (Andrews) McKenzie.

Debra was born in Rhode Island and moved to Sturtevant, Wisconsin, when she was 12 years old. She started working at Ametek and in later years, loved working in the hospitality industry in St. Ignace.

Debra was a member of the Moose Lodge #999.

Debra loved the outdoors. She enjoyed campfires, attending live concerts and drag races at the Great Lakes Dragway, watching movies, rocking out to music, and in her younger years, going camping. She loved watching football, especially her favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. She was always willing to help people and wouldn’t take no as an answer. She would always tell people how it was.

Debra is survived by her daughters, Vanessa (Brandon Theriault) Nelsen, Erica Nelsen, and Leah VandenBranden of Racine, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Ethan, Althea, Evan, and Eleanor; sister, Deanna McKenzie Meoli of St. Ignace; friend, Keith Frosland of St. Ignace; and ex-husband, Dave VandenBranden.

Debra is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Mary Ann McKenzie; brother, Brian McKenzie; ex-husband, David Nelsen; and several beloved aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

A Celebration of Life will be on January 28, 2023, in Wisconsin.

A Private family burial will be in the Spring of 2023.

Galer Funeral Homes & Cremation in Pickford, Michigan, is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.

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