Debbie Jo Baker

Debbie Jo Baker (born Deborah Joan Findley) passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026. Debbie was born in Frankfurt, Germany, on December 5, 1953 to Floyd and Adale Findley, who lived on the U.S. military base at the time. She grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and later moved to nearby Jefferson and Fort Atkinson.

Debbie is survived by her children Mindy Furrer, Joseph Furrer (Danielle), Jeremy Furrer, and Luke Baker; grandchildren Teddy, Jennifer, Jaxon, and Clarabella; along with her six sisters; Jill Helgeson, Mary Earhart, Julie Turkoske, Peggy Metts, Ellen Findley, and Betsy Boos, many, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Debbie is preceded in death by her son Joel, her sister Luann Hermening, and her parents.

Debbie was known for her love of music. She and her sister Luann would play their guitars and lend their beautiful harmonies to car trips, church events, and family gatherings. Her children fondly remember her sitting outside their bedrooms and singing them to sleep with tunes like “Blowing in the Wind” and “If I had a Hammer”. She passed along this love of music to her children. She also passed on her readiness to give of herself. As a nurse and later EMT, she gave tirelessly to her patients. She participated in scouts and 4-H events with her kids, teaching them the values of giving back to their communities. She would even invite those who lived at a local inpatient treatment center to Thanksgiving dinner. This selfless nature will live inside her children and grandchildren for years to come.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Jefferson Memory Care and Rainbow Hospice for their unwavering support during her final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Children’s Wisconsin in Debbie’s name are welcome.

A visitation will take place on Saturday October 24, 2026 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (NEW LOCATION: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) from 10:00am-12:00pm, followed by a service. There will then be a reception at the Delafield American Legion from 2:00-5:00pm.