Deborah Marie "Debbie" Matsen

Deborah Marie “Debbie” Matsen, 69, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home with her children by her side on September 15, 2025, after a courageous and resilient battle with cancer. She was born on November 17, 1955, in Green Bay, the daughter of Dick “Tricky Dick” and Joyce Van Den Heuvel.

Debbie was raised in Green Bay and graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1974 before continuing her studies at Silver Lake College. In 1979, she moved to Illinois with her then husband, Steve Matsen. While living in Illinois, she ran a babysitting business from her home, became a licensed cosmetologist, and later worked in accounting for UPS. She eventually returned home to Green Bay, where she continued her accounting career with the Oneida Nation until her retirement in 2020.

In her earlier years, Debbie enjoyed baking and cake decorating, as well as bowling. She also loved playing cards, quilting, embroidery, and sewing. She loved traveling, both within the U.S. and abroad, and was a member of the Peninsula Belgian American Club, through which she made trips to Belgium and other parts of Europe. Debbie also found joy in reading, especially Danielle Steel novels, and she was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

She will be remembered with love by her children, Kurt (Kim Nelson) Matsen and Tammi (Kurt) Kitzman; her grandchildren, McKenna Matsen, Mitchell Kitzman, and Quinn Kitzman; her siblings, Dick (Lynn) Van Den Heuvel and Dawn (Dave) Zmek; along with other relatives and friends.

Debbie lived life on her own terms, fiercely independent and self-reliant, facing each challenge with strength and courage until the very end.

Debbie’s children wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to the ER and ICU staff at St. Vincent Hospital, with special thanks to ICU nurse Kenzie, and to Unity Hospice for the care, kindness, and support shown to their mom and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dick “Tricky Dick” and Joyce Van Den Heuvel.

A visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home (340 S. Monroe Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301) on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, with a service to follow at 7:00 pm. A private entombment will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.