Deanna Koebe

Deanna Dawn Koebe passed away peacefully at home at the age of 79 on Sunday, January 2, 2022.

Deanna was born January 7, 1942 in Lincoln County to Franklin & Milda (Grawien) Brandenburg. She received the Sacrament of Confirmation on March 25, 1956. On September 28, 1963 she married her 8th grade sweetheart, James “Jim” Koebe.

Deanna was a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the choir, Evening Women of Faith, and Altar Guild.

She worked for Ralph Fata-Voigt Insurance Agency and later went to work for Gene Block Insurance up until the birth of her son, Robert, in 1966. At that time, she became a homemaker. When Jim went on his own building houses in 1975, Deanna took on the role of Bookkeeper for the business. She was able to be a “work from home mom” and raised their 3 children.

Deanna used her homemaking skills to become a very good cook and baker. Making her fudge ribbon cake for the men’s birthdays and always angel food cake for the grandchildren. Deanna enjoyed cooking, bringing as much food as her and Jim could carry to birthday parties. One of everyone’s favorites was her layered Jell-O dessert.

Deanna also worked part-time as a Cake Decorator at Merrill Dairy Queen for many years. One of her greatest joys in life was babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Deanna is survived by her husband of 58 years: James Koebe; Children: Rob (Renee) Koebe, Melissa (Darrel) Dengel, and Marci (Peter) Borchardt; Grandchildren: Abby (Joe) Ollhoff, Molli (Jeremy) Wicke, Marissa (Joel) Prahl, Mikalea (AJ) Schneider, Macy Lentz, Dustin Dengel, Matthew Lentz, Dawson Dengel, Mason Borchardt, and Malaynie Dengel; Step-Grandchildren: Austin Bonnell, Justin Bonnell, and Kaitlyn Bonnell; Great-Grandchildren: Alexis Ollhoff, Mia Wicke, Evan Ollhoff, McKenzie Wicke, Aubrie Zortman, Madilynn Schneider, Jacob Wicke, and Addisyn Prahl.  She is further survived by a nephew: Jeff (JoAnn) Brandenburg; and a niece: Jessica (Craig) Neumann.

Deanna is preceded in death by her Parents: Franklin & Milda Brandenburg; Brother: Eugene Brandenburg; Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law: Walter & Ann Koebe; Sister-In-Law: Peggy Brandenburg; Brother-In-Law: Robert “Bob” Koebe; Niece: Carmen Brandenburg;

Pallbearers: Austin Bonnell, Justin Bonnell, Dustin Dengel, Matthew Lentz, Dawson Dengel, Mason Borchardt

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service also at the church. Interment to take place at St. John Cemetery.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com