Debra Jean (Pace) Schotter, age 69, passed away May 4th, 2025, at her home surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with multiple health issues. Born May 30, 1955, in River Falls, Wis. to Ronald and Donna (Husfloen) Pace; she graduated from River Falls High School in 1973 and shortly after met Karl. They were joined in marriage on Sept 28, 1974. Karl and “Irma,” as she was known by many, would walk this earth together for more than 50 years. Their marriage was blessed with the birth of their children, Karl Lee and Stephanie.
Debbie had a love of camping and spent as much time as possible up North at Camp Itch-a-Lot as well as Jellystone, Edgewater, and O’Neil Creek campgrounds making many fun memories with family and friends. She also frequented Wisconsin National Guard events and summer camp at Fort McCoy with their second family, the members of the 1-128th Infantry Battalion.
Debbie spent her working years in food service at UW-River Falls where she made many cherished and lifelong friends. She loved music and dancing – wherever she was she had music playing, often just a bit too loudly. Debbie will fondly be remembered for her unforgettable laugh and as the “lady with the treats” by all of the children she so adored.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband Karl, her daughter Stephanie (Jerid) Larson, grandchildren Abbigail (Joe) Bustrak, Dalton Schotter, Levi Larson, and Maeleea Larson, siblings Linda (Jay) Wollan, Ric (Nancy) Pace, Carol (Jerry) Williams, her Aunt Pat Pace, and many, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She is preceded in death by her son Karl Lee Schotter, parents Ronald and Donna Pace, brother and sister-in-law James and Janie Pace, sister and brother-in-law Mary and John Hauschildt.
Karl and Stephanie would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Debbie’s care team, whose compassion and kindness helped her through the difficult times. They are also profoundly thankful for the unwavering love and support of family and friends who stood by Debbie through all the ups and downs she endured over these past number of years.
A Funeral Service was held on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 3 p.m. at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E. Division St., River Falls, WI.) Visitation was on Friday from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
