Debra “Debbie” K. Prahl, R.N., age 60, of Appleton, was escorted by the Angels to her heavenly home on Monday, May 26, 2014, surrounded with song and prayer by her loving family and life-long friends after an extremely long courageous and “Job-Like” battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for more than three decades.

She was born November 12, 1953 in Chateauroux, France, daughter of Kenneth J. and his late wife, Carol (Hensel) Prahl, while he was stationed overseas. Debbie attended Emanuel Lutheran Grade School in New London and graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton. After graduating Deaconess Hospital and School of Nursing in Milwaukee, Debbie lovingly served her Savior as a Registered Nurse her entire life in the Milwaukee and Appleton areas. Her beautiful faith guided her to always use all of her gifts and talents, too numerous to mention, in His service. Even when MS paralyzed her body and finding her breath to utter words would be difficult, Debbie continued to love and nurse everyone within her midst. Her intelligent mind, wisdom, perception and humor would counsel, comfort, console, and uplift her and anyone that was given the gift of even just a few moments with her. Her unconditional love for all and her faith never waivered resulting in an impact and purpose that will extend beyond many lifetimes. Her commitment to her faith was always closely followed by her love of her family. One of her most beloved and cherished gifts was Motherhood and the blessings of her daughter, Karissa, and her grandchildren whom she loved so dearly. In her younger years before MS took away her strength, Debbie was an accomplished concert pianist and singer although her love of music was never lost. Debbie's eyes would always begin to sparkle followed by her mischievous grin forecasting that she was about to tell you a wonderful joke to uplift your spirits. Debbie truly knew that love and laughter is always the best medicine.

Debbie is survived by her father, Kenneth Prahl; daughter and son-in-law, Karissa and Joshua DeFord, grandchildren, Zachery, Kyle, Arianna and Mace; brother and sister-in-law, Alan and Heidi Prahl; nieces and nephews, Elsa Prahl, Madeline (Prahl) and Travis Brege, David and Kristen Prahl and their daughter Ellie; Godson, Nick Thieme; Aunt and Godmother Dorothy “Junie” Freeman; Uncle and Godfather Kerran (Barbara) Prahl; Close loved ones, Lisa and Thom Borchert, Allen Kloehn, Judy Kraestch, Anthony Rangle, Brenda and David Freeman, their children, David and Maximilian, many loved relatives and friends, plus the multitude of those who have cared for her and showered her with love at Manor Care and St. Elizabeth's through out the years.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Carol Prahl, Grandparents Raymond and Florence Prahl and Charles and Selma Hensel; an infant son; and by many loved Aunts and Uncles.

The funeral service for Debbie will be held on Monday, June 2, 2014 at 11:00 AM at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 601 E. Glendale, Appleton, with Rev. Daniel Thews officiating. A time of visitation will be held Monday, from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be in the Floral Hill Cemetery in New London at 1:30 PM.