Debra Netzel

Debra Ann Netzel passed away peacefully in Billings, Montana with her husband at her side on Wednesday March 17, 2021. Deb was born on December 20, 1955 in Baraboo, Wisconsin to Thomas and Alice Gats. Deb's greatest joys were her grandkids and being creative. She was a loving and devoted gramma and mother. "Gramma Dab", as she was affectionately known, always brought the fun and puns and enjoyed many visits and sleepovers with the boys. She was their best friend and partner in crime. Together they were the masters of mess and memory making! Deb always had projects going and is remembered by many for her talents. She especially enjoyed oil painting, quilting and sewing, chainsaw carving and wreath making. Deb and Pete have successfully written and published almost 30 books on the subject of lost treasures. The books are sold in stores and museums across the western states and online. Survivors include her husband Peter Netzel, daughters Jessi (Keil) Clavadetscher, Ashley (Ted) Olsen, grandsons Bridger, Mitchell, Tavern, Jackson and Grant, sisters Vickie Pfluger (Rob and Paul), Amy Schroeder and Aunt Lucille Ryczek. Debra was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Alice Gats, sister Cindy Vander Sande, her gramma Helen Gats and cats Baby Kitty, Lucy and Calamity Jane. Cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Gramma Deb will be greatly missed but her memory will live on with her loved ones every day of the rest of our lives. We rejoice in spending an eternity in heaven with her. She wanted to remind people to never speak ill of the dead because it would be a grave mistake!