Debra J. Appelquist, 62, of Viola, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will take place from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan.  Memorials may be made to the family to be decided at a later date.

Debra was born on May 30, 1960 in Moline, the daughter of Minnis and Dolores (Brust) Essary.  She married, the love of her life, Steven Appelquist on July 5, 1980 in Rock Island.  Debra worked as a professional seamstress/upholsterer.  She enjoyed playing piano, puzzles, traveling, sewing, and other crafts.  Debra was known as the swimming pool "Diva."  Most of all she loved spending time with her husband, all of her family and friends.

Debra is survived by her husband, Steve Appelquist; son, Deven Appelquist; daughter, Nicole Appelquist; grandchildren, Ayden and Dylan; siblings, Bill (Marge) Essary, Ed (Patty) Essary, Kathy (Ron) Black, and Bob (Annette) Essary; sister-in-law, Aud Essary; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; and brother, Denny Essary.