Debra Ann Pliska

Debra Ann Pliska, loving wife, proud mother and caring grandmother, of Stevens Point, died unexpectedly on the morning of Oct. 18, 2019, at her home.

Debra was born in Stevens Point on April 5, 1961, as the only child of the late Harold and Irene (Hojnacki) Szymkowiak.

Debra attended school at St. Peter’s, followed by P.J. Jacobs, and then graduated from Stevens Point Area Senior High in 1979.

On August 11, 1979, Deb married her high school sweetheart, Mark Pliska. Together they built a life in Stevens Point while raising two daughters. Debra had numerous jobs caring for animals and was a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service up until she lost mobility while fighting multiple sclerosis.

Though the loss of mobility limited Deb, the disease could not keep her from doing the things she loved; spending time with her children, grandchildren, and caring for her beloved pets.

Debra is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Irene Szymkowiak; and her cousins Rosemary Niespodziani and Thom Ness, both of whom were more like siblings than cousins.

She is survived by her husband and caretaker Mark of Stevens Point; her daughter Jennifer (Shaun) Wenzel of Rosholt; her daughter Allyson (Joe) Skibinski of Stevens Point; and her grandchildren Landon, Mason, Lucy, Madelynn, Joseph, and Maverick.

Debra was a strong and remarkable woman in both how she lived her life and how she fought a courageous battle with multiple sclerosis for over 15 years. A great woman, she was loved by all who knew her. She is missed tremendously.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Rev. Arul Joseph Visuvasam officiating.

Family and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Monday evening, with rosary held at 6 p.m. at the Pisarski Funeral Home of Stevens Point, and from 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Faustina Room of St. Peter’s church until the time for mass.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established at a later date.