Debra Leigh Giesler

Debra Leigh Giesler, 68, known to family and friends as Debi, passed away on September 26, 2024, in her hometown of Rockford, Illinois. She fought hard and ultimately lost her battle with Leukemia. Born on November 27, 1955, daughter to James and Josephine (LaMarca) Reiland. A proud graduate of Boylan Catholic High School in 1973 Debi embarked on a remarkable career that spanned over three decades. She dedicated the first ten years of her professional life at AB Dick Products, where she shared her expertise and passion for helping others by teaching word processing and also how to navigate their equipment. Her journey continued at Rockford Memorial Hospital, where her unwavering determination and work ethic propelled her from an administrative role to the esteemed position of executive secretary by the time she retired in 2019. But retirement was not the end of her journey; just a year later, she felt called to serve again, and those around her were privileged to have her as the office manager for the School of Medicine, where she was employed at the time of her passing. Debi’s personality shone brightly, marked by her loving nature and strong spirit. She was the embodiment of kindness, always putting others before herself, she did not know what the word “selfish” meant. A woman with a nurturing heart, she found joy in simple pleasures—whether it was cooking delicious meals, cross-stitching intricate designs, or hunting for treasures in antique shops alongside her beloved sister Linda. Debi never missed watching her husband's softball games. The memories of yearly family trips up north To Wisconsin are cherished reminders of her deep love for her family and the joy they created together.

She will be missed by those who loved her most, her husband of 43 years, Ken; her children Michael and Morgan (Seth) Pippel; her grandson Kaleb; her sister Linda (Danny) Olivotti, sister-in-law Jackie (Kouri) Washington and brother-in-law John Cadwell; nieces and nephews Erik (Cara), Garrett (Krista), Leah, Jacob, Dallas, Ivy and all of their families; adored dogs Nola, Ernest T. Bass, and Chewy—who brought her immeasurable happiness and companionship. She is predeceased by her parents; in-laws Carl and Connie Giesler; her sister Mary Hilton, brother-in-law Carl Jr and sister-in-law Jenny Cadwell; nephew Luke.

A time to come and celebrate Debi will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com or donate to the link below. 

* Debi's Go Fund Me *