Deborah Lynn Ratajczak Gale, 66, of Pleasant Ridge, MI, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, November 5, 2025. She was born in Green Bay, WI, on January 15, 1959, the daughter of Raymond and Marie (Rozmiarek) Ratajczak.

Debi is the beloved sister of four surviving siblings, Barbara Schweiner, Wake Forest, NC, Arlin (Rita) Ratajczak, Pewaukee, WI, Mary Jayne Walbrun, Sussex, WI, Sheri Ford, Aliquippa, PA; and aunt to eight cherished nieces and nephews, Michael (Kasie) Schweiner, Jennifer Ratajczak, David (Michele) Ratajczak, Markelle Walbrun (Jeff Gutknecht), Jon Walbrun, Tim Walbrun (Josh), Marie (Matteo) Piccirilli, and Philip (Rachel) Ford. She is further survived by eight dearly loved great nieces and nephews, Garrett, Ava, Alaina, Emma, Giuliana, Charlotte, Calvin, and Joey. Debi also leaves behind her much-loved rescued feral cat and devoted sidekick, Bob.

In addition to her parents, Raymond and Marie, she was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Ratajczak and her nephew, Jason Ford.

Remembered for her youthful spirit and her kind, caring, and generous heart, Debi filled her life with meaningful connections and simple joys, including providing shelter for and feeding neighborhood feral cats, watching the Green Bay Packers games with her Detroit Packer Family, attending local art fairs with a cherished friend, nurturing her backyard container garden, enjoying visits and many conversations with her "little NBF" Gina, reconnecting with friends from high school, college, and across her workplaces, and sharing time with treasured neighbors. She loved traveling with and visiting family, and she held special affection for time spent with her extended family in Wisconsin, celebrating their Polish heritage.

As Debi approached retirement she often expressed her gratitude for her work at Dykema in Detroit, where she found not only professional fulfillment but also lasting friendships.

Although she attended Holy Mass at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, Debi wished to be laid to rest at her home church, St. Stanislaus (1888 W Hofa Park Rd.) in Hofa Park, Wisconsin. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m. with visitation taking place from 10-11 a.m. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. A luncheon will be provided at the church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers , memorial contributions may be made to:

St. Stanislaus Parish: 124 E Pulaski St, Pulaski, WI 54162 for memorial Masses to be celebrated for Deborah Ratajczak Gale

St. Stanislaus Congregation – Hofa Park WI: 124 E Pulaski St, Pulaski, WI 54162 to support her rural parish

All About Animals Rescue , 23451 Pinewood Street, Warren, MI 48091 www.allaboutanimalsrescue.org

reflecting on Debi's lifelong compassion for animals.

Online condolences may be offered at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.