DEBBIE JEAN DRESCHER (IVES)
DEBBIE JEAN DRESCHER (IVES)
Debbie Jean Drescher (Ives) of Neillsville, WI, passed away peacefully at Mayo Clinic Hospital Methodist Campus in Rochester MN, July 21, 2025, with family at her side.
Debbie was born in Neillsville, WI, July 8, 1958. She was the eldest of four siblings to Calvin and Lorraine Ives. Debbie graduated from Neillsville High School in 1976 and became employed with Cummins Filtration in Neillsville shortly thereafter. Thirty-nine years later, she ended her employment with Cummins Filtration to fight the toughest battle of her life and fight she did for ten years. Cancer did not define her, but it was a part of her story.
Debbie married Thomas Drescher Sept. 15 1979, in Neillsville; in 1982, they welcomed their son, Nicholas Drescher.
Debbie is survived by her husband, Tom Drescher; Nick and Christine Drescher of Neillsville; and her grandson, Cody Drescher; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Marvin and Linda Mashin of Neillsville, Jim and Bonnie Mayenschein of Neillsville and Mitch and Chari Conner of Chili WI; sister-in-law Virginia Noll of Eau Claire; and brother-in-law and wife Steve and Karen Drescher, Wausau, WI.
Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Lorraine Ives; grandparents Elmer and Mina Ives; and grandparents Reynold and Louise Engum.
Deb had a love for making craft items from decorative to jewelry; she also was creative doing oil scenic paintings and loved painting decorative items as well. She was in her happy place when she was creating something, most of which she’d give to family and friends throughout the years. Her other happy place was gardening; she took pride in her outside garden area with plants galore and the unique pieces she’d collected that filled it. She’d pick up pieces from flea markets, thrift sales and antique stores, and items she had made would find their home there too. She enjoyed the deck time to host get-togethers and enjoy this space she created. She loved to go to the Iola Car shows and take trips to the Bayfield County area with Tom, Nick, Christine and Cody. Deb was blessed with several friendships and some great coworkers and neighbors throughout her years. She cherished each and every one, spending time with them and spending time with family as well was important to her.
Her grandson, Cody, she spoke often of and was so proud of him; she was holding on to see him graduate in the spring. We know she will be there watching from above when that day comes.
Funeral Services for Debbie were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday prior to the service. Interment was in the Neillsville City Cemetery. A reception followed the interment at Apple Valley Road House & Event Center.
Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.
The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Debbie’s family with funeral arrangements.