Barbola Funeral Chapel

Debra J. Koch

Debra Jan Parsons was born in Berlin, WI, to Donald J. and Alice Korwitz Parsons on their 11th wedding anniversary, May 6, 1953. Her parents owned the Hilltop Drive-In in Berlin. Neighborhood friends were eager to come for a burger, root beer and, of course, a Twistee cone. She attended Washington School and in the 6th grade enrolled at St. John Lutheran School - Berlin where she was confirmed May 26, 1967, and graduated June 8, the same year. Deb graduated from Berlin High School in 1971 and went on to attend UW-Oshkosh, studying Elementary Education. Meeting Dean Degener on a blind date, they married in 1973. Together they built their home on the corner of the Korwitz family farm in 1975 and brought two children into the world, Jeff and Laura, of whom she was very proud.

During the Jane Fonda era of leg warmers, sweat bands, and Spandex, Deb enjoyed teaching Aerobics dance classes through the Park & Rec Department for many years. As her children reached school age, Deb was offered the opportunity to join Warnecke Investments, soon becoming the office manager. Over the years, Mr. Warnecke was a wonderful teacher that helped build her confidence. During the boom years of mutual funds, Fred’s business began to grow and he brought in his son-in-law, Kevin Koch. Fred, Kevin, and Deb became like family, being there for each other. When Fred’s daughter passed away from breast cancer, Deb and Kevin’s friendship grew stronger. Over time the friendship and love continued to grow between Deb and Kevin and they married on May 3, 2003, and recently celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary as well as Deb celebrating living a half century on her family’s farmland.

If you were ever looking for Deb and the weather was warm, you knew she would be out in her vegetable and flower gardens, thinking of creative ways to incorporate the treasures she would bring home from her adventures. After a hard day’s work in the garden, she loved to relax on the back porch with Kevin beside a fire, with a glass of wine, admiring all of her accomplishments from the day.

Debra Jan Parsons Koch received her heavenly crown on May 14, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Kevin; daughter, Laura; son, Jeffrey; bonus children, Sarah (Praveen), Simon (Valeska), Nathan (Anna), and grandchildren, Milan, Kiran, Rosalind, Helen, and Fritz; sister, Karen (Rob) Wendt; brother, Greg (Victoria) Parsons; nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

She will receive Christian burial from St. John Lutheran Church in Berlin on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Rob Schrader officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Bush Cemetery in the Town of Berlin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin. Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church or School in Berlin.

Special thanks for the care she received from Froedtert Hospitals and the angels of SSM Hospice, especially Joy.

Deb is now tending the gardens of heaven with as much love and care as she did in her earthly vegetable and flower gardens.

Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card to the family, please mail to Deb Koch, c/o Barbola Funeral Chapel, PO Box 201, Berlin, WI 54923.