Deborah “Debi” Shimek
Debi Shimek, 68, Greenleaf, passed away October 12, 2021, following years of an ever-weakening heart. She was born on February 2, 1953, to Richard Tiesling and Jean (Komp) Tiesling in Milwaukee. She attended the UW Stevens Point as a fine art student where she met her husband, Steven Shimek. Debi and Steven had a daughter Rebecca that shared her mother’s passion for the arts and who also attended the UW Stevens Point.
Following college her family moved to the Green Bay area. Debi enjoyed camping and fishing trips with her young family. About 30 years ago her family settled in the Town of Morrison where she raised Morgan horses. Throughout her life she always had the company of collies and Labradors.
Debi was an artist and specialized in pencil drawings of wildlife. She received recognition at local art shows for her works. In her later years she teamed up with her daughter to form Heirloom Traditions which focused on dried floral arrangements. Debi grew many of the flowers and grasses used in their arrangements.
In addition to her self-employment, Debi worked as a floral designer at a number of florists in Green Bay and De Pere. She also worked at Hobby Lobby and Stein’s.
Debi was a family-first individual and did much to support the family; she was the matriarch. She will be missed by her husband, daughter, and her siblings, including Holly Pieters of De Pere, Richard Tiesling of Luxemberg, Todd Tiesling of Green Bay and Jennifer Barrette of Green Bay. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Christopher Tiesling.
Debi was a very private person, and her wish was to be cremated without a formal funeral. Her family and friends will celebrate her life in the summer of 2022, as she requested. In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy the family asks that memorials be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society in honor of Debi.
The family would like to thank Proko-Wall for their support through these trying times.