Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Deb Wogoman

June 6, 1964 - February 21, 2022
Niles, MI

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Life Story Visitation

Sunday, February 27, 2022
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Please join us for a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared.

Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Stay and Obey
4316 N. Roosevelt Road
Stevensville, MI 49127
(269) 465-6239
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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When reflecting on the life of Deborah Wogoman, it is easy to see her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was known for her positive outlook on life, and she enjoyed spending as much time with loved ones as she could. Deb was always willing to go above and beyond to help others. She loved to make friends with everybody, and her caring spirit allowed her to touch the lives of those around her. Deb was a shining example of kindness and maturity, a true inspiration to all who were near. She was an amazing source of support to her loved ones and did her best to make the world a better place. Deeply loved, Deb will be dearly missed.

The 1960s were an exciting time in American history when we elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States, and by the end of the decade we had put the first man on the moon. There was much to celebrate in the lives of Tom and Carol Dexter as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Deborah on June 6, 1964, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was one of two as she was joined in her family by her brother, Dan.

Growing up, Deb was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She had long, straight, cool hippie-hair, and wore the fashionable clothing of that generation well. When Deb got her driver’s license, her brother Dan (4 years younger) was very jealous when dad gifted her with the family’s 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass. It was a nice upgrade from the banana-seat bike. And, like many teenagers, fun with friends and boyfriends was how she spent her time.

When choosing a career, Deb’s lifelong love for animals played a huge part in her decision. She worked as an administration assistant before finding her passion working with animals at a pet daycare. Deb found employment with Stay and Obey in Stevensville. She enjoyed working with people and getting to know every single dog. Deb was well-loved by customers and would develop personal friendships with them and was sure to say hello if she saw them out in public. Several of her customers went on to send her cards over the years. Deb was the favorite receptionist, and customers would even ask for her by name. She had a big heart for animals as she had four cats and a dog of her own, and her love of animals truly made her one of the best at her job.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Deb as she met the man who would soon become her husband. His name was Mike, and the two first met while living in the same complex as he was her upstairs neighbor. One day, Deb and Mike struck up a conversation on the sidewalk, and a close friendship quickly developed. Among many other things, Mike admired Deb’s level of maturity. She had a very stable and reassuring presence and was always very easygoing. Deb told her parents that she’d met a man and they were just friends, but over time their friendship blossomed into a romance. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Deb and Mike were married in the presence of friends and family on December 1, 2012.

Deb was an adventurous spirit, and though she wasn’t the skydiving type she loved going for a drive, going to the beach, or just having a fun time. Deb never missed a day on the beach or the boat. She thoroughly enjoyed just hanging with friends and family, making things even more fun for everyone around her. Deb and Mike would often pick a direction to drive in and explore the area, going to new restaurants along the way. They had a favorite restaurant in each town, Buck Burger and Silver Beach Pizza in St. Joe were among their top choices. Deb and Mike also loved supporting small mom and pop restaurants in the middle of nowhere. They especially liked eating at places with patios.

All who knew Deb can agree that of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She was overjoyed to become a mother to her son Conner. Later in life, Deb’s marriage to Mike also brought two more children, Brandon and Matthew, into her life. After Conner moved out on his own, she would always call or text him just to check in. Deb cared for all three of her children and loved them with everything she had.

As family and friends can attest, Deborah Wogoman truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a fantastic listener, and brought joy and light into the lives around her. She had the best smile. She was sweet and kind. She loved to laugh. She LOVED dill pickles and LOVED her uncle’s dilly beans. Though Deb will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Deborah Wogoman of Niles, age 57, died on February 21, 2022. Deb was born June 6, 1964 in Grand Rapids. Deb was preceded in death by her mom, Carol Dexter; and her first husband, Roger “Fuzzy” Gray. Surviving are her husband, Mike Wogoman Jr.; children: Conner Gray, Brandon Wogoman, and Matthew Wogoman; her dad, Tom Dexter; brother: Dan (Crystal) Dexter; and nieces and nephews: Evan (Lauren), Seth (Morgan), Luke, and Grace.

Cremation has taken place. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared 3-5 PM Sunday, February 27, at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900. Private interment at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Visit Deb’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook.

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