Debra Ann Heitkamp, age 67, of Monroe, WI, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, after a brave 2 ½ year battle with ovarian cancer.
She was born on November 27, 1957, to Norbert and Velda Radtke. Deb attended school in Princeton, WI, before pursuing her higher education at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Library Science Education with a Speech Communication minor. As a lifelong learner, she continued her studies and earned her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, in Education. In 1980, Deb began a fulfilling 40-year career as a librarian, touching the lives of countless students and colleagues. She worked for 26 years at Monroe Middle School, 3 years at Freeport High School, and 11 years at the Beloit Turner School District, where she worked to create a welcoming space for all students to learn and grow.
On June 23, 1984, Deb married the love of her life, Donald Heitkamp. Together, they raised two children, Richard and Sara – and she never missed a swim meet, soccer game or dance recital for her kids. She was a proud grandmother to Noah and Josephine (Cece) Heitkamp, with whom she cherished spending time and creating lasting memories.
As an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe, she served as a member of the church council and Lydia Circle. She also served as the Treasurer for her teacher sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa.
Deb is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Heitkamp of Monroe; children, Richard (Whitney) Heitkamp of Woodbury, MN, Sara Heitkamp of Rosemount, MN; grandchildren, Noah and Josephine Heitkamp; brothers, Ron (Jean) Radtke, Bob (Bonnie) Radtke, Dave (Li) Radtke; nieces and nephews, Ryan Radtke, Russell Radtke, Ryan Dunham, Kelly Bartnik, Michelle Radtke, Kristy Bloedow & Susie Denzer, brother-in-law, Thomas Heitkamp; and a close group of friends who met for coffee or lunch almost daily. Deb is preceded in death by her parents, Norbert and Velda Radtke.
Deb will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her passion for education, and her warm, caring spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A visitation for family and friends of Debra Heitkamp will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 1025 15th Ave, in Monroe, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 am, at the church. Pastor John Tabaka will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date in the Dayton Cemetery in the township of Princeton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 1025 15th Ave. Monroe, WI 53566 or the Carbone Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send a condolence or to share a memory of Deb with her family.
