Debbie Thomae

(The following from an obituary written for In Step by Mary Shafer.)

Debbie Thomae was a bartender at D.K.s' Tavern and was well liked by all who knew her. A quick wit, sparkling sense of humor, and gentle empathy characterized her on-duty hours, endearing her to patrons. These same qualities endured in her personal and social life, making her a welcome part of any gathering or event.

Debbie, known as "Mascot" to her friends, led any pool league she entered in her later years. She started out the season prior to her death with an eightball break, and went on to be the pride of her team (sponsored by Fannies) with highest individual score.

Her death was sudden and unexpected, at the age of 29, and at the time of the obituary printed in In Step, exact time and cause of death were undetermined.

A wake was held for Debbie on Wednesday evening, August 20th, 1986, with a large gathering of friends and relatives attending. Many beautiful flowers surrounded the casket, and a particularly touching piece was the one sent by Dottie, owner of D.K.'s, who had Mascot's pool cue tailored to fit atop the arrangement. In honor of her affiliation and service with the 1055th Army Transportation Division, Debbie's casket was draped with an American flag.

Funeral services were held at Redeemer Lutheran Church. A contingent of three servicemen from her former unit performed proper military rights, and presented Debbie's parents with the folded flag at Forest Home Cemetery.

Following cremation, Debbie's remains were interred at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery.

In Memorium, April 1986
(In Step, volume 3 no. 17)