Debra Ann Ettel (nee Wiesner) was born on Saturday, February 26, 1955 to David E. Wiesner and Joyce M. Wiesner (nee Joggerst) of St. Louis, Missouri. Shortly thereafter she was Baptized at Hope Lutheran Church of St. Louis, Missouri. At the age of 13, Debra was Confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Peace Lutheran Church of Lemay, Missouri.
As a child, she took dance lessons (as many little girls do). She fondly referred to her baby brother, Mark as “my little peanuthead.” (A practice that she continued to periodically observe, even into adulthood!) 😊
Debra worked as a waitress for the prestigious Al Baker’s restaurant in Clayton, Missouri for several years. Eventually she would leave the restaurant industry to become a flight attendant. She worked for Ozark, then TWA and finally American Airlines (as one company bought out another). It would be as a flight attendant that she would meet the love of her life, Mr. Michael “Mike” Ettel. Mike was a pilot. They were married at the beautiful Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis on Saturday, May 30, 1992 Just a few days before her death, Debra was reminiscing about that day. The sky was blue, the temperature in the low 70’s . . . everything was perfect! Three years into the marriage, Debra developed (and then survived) breast cancer. The couple never had children.
Life continued on for them, until her husband developed pancreatic cancer (and was featured in a medical journal for a ground-breaking procedure that was performed on him, and which now has become a regular practice in treating pancreatic cancer). Through these difficult years of treatment, Debra began playing bridge as an outlet for the stress they were under. She would eventually achieve status as a “Life Master” bridge player. Debra became widowed on June 6, 2006 after 14 years of marriage. She was 51 years of age at the time, and would never remarry.
Debra was a voracious reader and had an entire library of hard-backed books (which she preferred over “dog-eared” paperbacks or the common e-book options). Her greatest interest was reading about ancient civilizations; in particular, Rome and Egypt.
Debra had a lively, engaging manner. Her gift was her ability to express warmth, kindness and love to others. Above all else, however, was her love and enthusiasm for her Christian faith. Those who knew her can tell you how she spoke passionately about her desire for Jesus to come and to take her home. Not out of a sense of dread for this life and world (although there was some of that mixed in), but mainly because of her sincere desire to see Jesus and to enter into His kingdom! How she longed for His coming!
Debra prayed regularly for Jesus’ return, for those who were lost, and for Christians who were being persecuted around the world. She also held a strong love for the Jewish nation (the people whom God had first chosen to be His own, and through whom salvation would come to the entire world). Debra made regular financial contributions to various ministries and charities. And she demonstrated Christian compassion by phoning her Christian friends, sending them letters, cards and flowers, providing them with transportation to doctors’ appointments, making pharmacy runs, dropping off meals, and so much more.
On Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at approximately 6:58 am our gracious Lord called Debra out of this life to receive the long-awaited crown of life that He had prepared for her! Debra died at Bethesda Southgate Nursing Home in St. Louis, Missouri. Debra was 70 years, 6 months and 14 days old.
Debra was preceded in death by her father Rev. David E. Wiesner, her mother Joyce M. Wiesner (nee Joggerst), and her husband Michael S. Ettel.
Debra is survived by her brother Rev. Mark D. Wiesner, her sister-in-law Patricia A. Wiesner (nee Finger), her niece Andrea R. Wiesner, her niece SarahBeth Barto (nee Wiesner) and Sarah’s husband Rev. Gregory S. Barto, her great-nephew Harrison David Barto, her great-nephew Crosby James Barto, and her great-niece due in February 2026 (which Debra was totally excited about!), her uncle Terry Joggerst, her Aunt Di Joggerst (nee Feldmeier), and their three sons Scott, Ken and Steven (along with their spouses and children), and her dear friends Nancy “Dawn” Berry, Debbie Foley, Linda Ramin, and others.
May God comfort Debra’s family and friends with Christ’s own words, “Because I live, you shall live also!” (John 14: 19)
Services; Public Visitation – Sunday, September 14, 1:30-4:30 pm at Kutis Funeral Home (5255 Lemay Ferry Road St. Louis, MO). Funeral Service – (Private, family only, to be held at another time). Memorials – Signal Hill Lutheran Church 8100 West Main Street Belleville, Illinois 62223