Debra Kay (Smith) Gilbertson

Debra Gilbertson, age 71, a resident of Solon Springs, Wisconsin, died on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Shell Lake Health Care.

Debra was born on April 13, 1953, in Superior, Wisconsin, to parents Ken and Merle Smith.  She graduated from Solon Springs High School and worked as a waitress at many of the local eating establishments around Solon Springs.  On May 14, 1994, she was united in marriage to Lee Gilbertson in Solon Springs and they continued to make their home in Solon Springs.  Debra then went to work at Smoker Craft in Minong for several years before the couple purchased the laundromat in Solon Springs, which they still owned and operated at the time of her passing.  Debra enjoyed going on walks, riding her bike, watching dirt track auto racing, and absolutely loved watching any sport her children or grandchildren were participating in. 

Debra is survived by her husband Lee; children: Justin (Kayla) Holmes and Lee (Tracy) Gilbertson Jr.; grandchildren: Brody Holmes, Markus (Jenny) Gilbertson, and Mercedes (Kevin) Nichols; great-grandchildren: Madison Gilbertson, Jackson Nichols, and Emmit Nichols; sister Jan Wright; brothers Dennis (Peggy) Smith and Rick (Perri) Smith; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Debra is preceded in death by her parents, brother Dewey Smith, brother-in-law Ron Wright, nephew Travis Smith, and niece Tracy Sperling.

A gathering to celebrate Debra’s life will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Solon Springs Community Center.  A private interment will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery in Solon Springs.  

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