Deborah Jane Paulus
COTTAGE GROVE- Deborah Jane Paulus, age 49, passed away on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, due to complications from her battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was born on July 17, 1962, to Thomas “Bill” and Judy Sliter.
She grew up on the family farm located between Sauk City and Plain in the township of Troy. She was a 1980 graduate of Sauk Prairie High School.
Deb met the love of her life Mike Paulus at the Plain ballpark where Mike played and Deb kept scorebook for one of the opposing teams. They were united in marriage at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Plain on Oct. 11, 1980. After working her way through nursing school, Deb worked in the Dean / St. Mary’s system her entire career as a registered nurse, and several administrative positions, including most recently as the clinical manager of the Davis, Duehr, Dean Eye Center on Regent Street in Madison. Deb’s passion in life was her family, and caring for others.
Later, Mike and Deb were blessed with four children Patrick, David, and twins Sara and Ashley. She enjoyed attending all of the children’s athletic events, but especially their baseball and softball games. On Sunday afternoons, she was a fixture at the Cottage Grove Home Talent baseball games. While the children were growing up, there was never a ballgame, tournament, baseball or softball camp that was too far from home. Deb always made the trip. She was most proud of each of her children’s career paths, and the success they have enjoyed. She also loved the outdoors, roses, socializing with her friends, John Wayne movies, and her favorite drink, Sundrop.
Deb is survived by her husband, Mike; children, Patrick of Sun Prairie, David of Deerfield, Sara of Cottage Grove, and Ashley of McFarland; her golden retriever, Paulie; her parents, Tom and Judy Sliter; brothers, Tom Jr. (Sandra), John (Jackie), and Jeff (Melodie); mother-in-law, Viola Paulus; sisters-in-law, Suz (Gary) Hoffman, Shari (Randy) Diehl, and Marisue (Mike) Horton; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Edward Paulus.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 N. Main St., Cottage Grove at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, with Father John Sasse and Father Mike Resop concelebrating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, and to continue Deb’s legacy in caring for others, the family requests contributions be made to the St. Mary’s Foundation, 700 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53515, or online at www.stmarysfoundation.org –click on “Ways to Give”.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Frontiera, the Dean Oncology staff, and Agrace HospiceCare for their commitment to excellence in patient care. You all are truly amazing people.
Deb, You were a true friend, a great daughter and sister, a fantastic wife, and the Best Mom. Thanks for the memories. Your family and friends.
