Debra E. Purfield, nee Hartrick, a child of God, age 70, of Waupaca, died on Monday, August 5, 2019, at ThedaCare Physicians-Waupaca in Waupaca.
She was born on January 11, 1949 in Urbana, IL, the daughter of the late Paul Henry and Vera Bernadetta (Marr) Hartrick. Debbie was born with Down’s Syndrome, but she did not let that slow her down. She worked as a teachers assistant for the Peoria Area Retarded Citizens group, where she helped others learn many tasks and she also worked for Caterpillar Corporation. In 1998, Debbie moved to Fremont to be closer to her brother and his family. She lived at Strong Haven home in Weyauwega for almost 15 years and enjoyed living there and making many friends. Debbie continued to help others with disabilities by working in Manawa at a facility for those with special needs. She knew sign language and was a great help to those who had hearing difficulties. Debbie was very involved in Special Olympics and earned many awards for her involvement.
She really enjoyed traveling and went on several trips around the country and several cruises. One of those trips was to Graceland. Debra was a huge Elvis Presley fan and this gave her the chance to see where Elvis lived. In addition to traveling, Debbie loved camping, fishing, her sweets, crafting and making special cards to give to her family and friends. She was a member of Emmaus Lutheran Church in the Town of Lind where she was very active in helping with the Ladies Aid and she was even the team mascot for the church softball team. Debbie’s life was an inspiration to those that knew her, and especially to her great-niece, Jesse, who has made a career of assisting those with learning disabilities. Following her death, Debbie continued to help others by giving the gift of her bones and eyes to those people in need of a better life.
Debbie is survived by her sister-in-law, Aletha Hartrick, Fremont; her nephew, Paul (Karen) Hartrick, Fremont; two nieces, Marlyn (Jared) Weiss, Clinton Township, MI, and Rebecca Schroeder, Oshkosh; great-nieces and nephews: Sarah, Paul, Jesse, Theodore (Rebecca), Brandi, Bryton and Logan; two great-great-nephews, Paul and Joel; a great-great-niece, Anna; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Rev. Paul Hartrick; her sister, Melissa and a great-great-nephew, Luke.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Emmaus Lutheran Church, N180 County Rd. A, Waupaca. Rev. Kurt Schilling will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established for Emmaus Lutheran Church.
Debbie’s family would like to extend a very special Thank You to Strong Haven, Marie and staff, and Waupaca Elder Care and their staff for all of the wonderful care and compassion they provided to her.
Debra walks in the light with Jesus for all eternity.