Deb
Deb Smalla
Deb Smalla of Otsego passed away Monday, September 4, 2023 in Kalamazoo. Deb was born November 21, 1955 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of James and Diane (Kopp) Nelson.
Deb was a 1974 graduate of Otsego High School and had worked for Perrigo for 41 years retiring in 2017. She enjoyed trips to the casino, she especially loved spending time with her friends and hanging out at her favorite social club, Salvino’s. She also enjoyed golfing, walking and being outside. More than anything, Deb loved her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren and watching their sporting events.
On October 19, 2002 she married Tom Smalla who survives; also surviving are her children, Steve (Kelly) VanSparrentak, of Alamo Twp, Brandi (Kevin Kahl) Leonard of Gobles, Beth (Eric) Covault of Byron Center, Sarah (Jimmy) DeJonge of Kalamazoo, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; her siblings, Vicki Chenelle, Maryann (Dan) Bowman, Chris (Terry) Leroy, Bill Markus, Bob (Lynda) Markus.
She was preceded in death by her parents and father William Markus and brother Dale Nelson.
Friends may meet with Deb’s family Friday, September 8, 2023 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego from 4 to 7 P.M.
A private burial of ashes will take place at Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego at a later time.
In lieu of flowers donations in Deb’s memory may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice. Special thanks to Lake House of Kalamazoo.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Deb Smalla
Condolence Messages
Douglas coulson
September 5, 2023 at 5:48 pm
Tom and Family ,
Cathy and I are very sorry too hear about Deb
Reply
Tonia Forney
September 5, 2023 at 6:04 pm
Mom Smalla,
I love you. You will be missed by all. Thank you for everything you did for me when I was younger and the talks that we had. Thank you also for my sister Brandi and my brother Steve. I will cherish our memories forever.
Love,
Tonia Forney ,( Leonard)
Reply
Tina Cook
September 5, 2023 at 6:09 pm
Tom and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Reply
Bonnie Crampton
September 5, 2023 at 6:27 pm
Brandi, my heart go out to you and your family. I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. You and your family are in my prayers. Sending Prayers & Hugs ❤️. Bonnie Crampton
Reply
Tim and Marcia Quigley
September 5, 2023 at 6:33 pm
Dear Tom and Family,
We are so very saddened to hear of Deb’s passing. We loved her so much! She was always so positive and she never gave up – we had so much fun when we would see her at Salvino’s! So many memories and good times to cherish! Please know she is now an Angel in Heaven watching over you!
Reply
Lisa Meyer
September 5, 2023 at 7:18 pm
Tom and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing, she was a true warrior. Prayers that wonderful memories will help to heal your hearts in the coming days.
Reply
Kim Kalchik
September 5, 2023 at 7:40 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Reply
Leon Harter jr.
September 5, 2023 at 7:45 pm
My prayers for Deb and all the family and friends
Reply
Kelly Krotz
September 5, 2023 at 7:47 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. She was loved by so many. I loved her beautiful smile. Sending lots of hugs and prayers to Tom and all the family ❤️. God bless you all.
Love Kelly, Roger and Rachel Krotz
Reply
Marnie Junker
September 5, 2023 at 7:56 pm
My deepest condolences to the family. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you Tom and the entire family.
Reply
Renee Robbins
September 5, 2023 at 8:27 pm
Tom and family- I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Deb. May the special memories you made together help you through this difficult time. Sending prayers and love…Renee Robbins
Reply
Joyce Galloway
September 5, 2023 at 8:45 pm
Tom and family we are so so sorry to hear of Debs passing. Sending prayers to you and all the family.
Reply
Beth Chapman
September 5, 2023 at 8:47 pm
Will miss you deb
Reply
Tom Plyley
September 5, 2023 at 9:18 pm
Tom, so sorry for your loss. Deb was truly a wonderful lady and so fun to be around. I will always cherish the memories I have of her.
Reply
Kurt Andree
September 6, 2023 at 3:52 am
There are no words for the loss of Deb, a person who was cherished by everyone who knew her. Tom, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Reply
Rob and Christy Matthes
September 6, 2023 at 8:28 am
I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Deb in the years I worked at Perrigo. A kind and caring person, who was always willing to help anyone. My condolences to Tom and to the family. God bless.
Reply
Diane Long
September 6, 2023 at 10:40 am
Tom & Family,
Mike and I send our prayers. Deb was always ready with a smile when we would see the two of you at Salvino’s.
Mike & Diane Long
Reply
Dave and Linda Hays
September 6, 2023 at 11:20 am
Tom and family, So sorry for your loss and will be praying for you all.
Reply
Diane Groh
September 6, 2023 at 12:26 pm
Tom,
Cherish all the great memories. So very sorry for your loss.
Reply
Jay & Tracey Miller
September 6, 2023 at 12:38 pm
Steve,
Very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you & your family in this time of sorrow. May many wonderful memories spent with her be a comfort to the family.
Reply
Terry Snyder
September 6, 2023 at 12:40 pm
Tom & family, so sorry for your loss. Deb was a great person, she will be missed.
Reply
Sarah Bartels Waynick
September 6, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Brandi,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you and your family.
Reply
Bud Radtke
September 6, 2023 at 3:59 pm
Tom and family Mollie and I are so sorry to hear about Deb.Thinking of you.Budr
Reply
Deborah Harrington
September 6, 2023 at 4:27 pm
Such a wonderful lady. Your smile and laugh will be missed by us all at happy hour. Prayers my friend
Reply
bruce leonard
September 6, 2023 at 6:43 pm
so sorry
Reply
Kim Slater
September 6, 2023 at 11:00 pm
Brandi and family, so sorry for the loss of your mom, loved one! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Reply
Stacey Madden
September 7, 2023 at 7:51 pm
Tom,
I am so very sorry. Please know you are being thought of and prayed for as you journey through this.
Reply
Barb Nordman
September 9, 2023 at 10:39 am
Tom and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Deb was a warrior and she will be missed by so many. Our prayers are with you and the family and friends. RIP friend.
Barb and Mike Nordman
Reply
Krcatovich
September 7, 2023 at 7:58 pm
Tom and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Such a sadness for all. We are sorry for your loss .
Mike & Joanne Krcatovich
Reply
Beth Loftus
September 8, 2023 at 5:35 am
Tom and Family,
It seems not long ago that we first found out at Salvino’s, although you had been dealing with her illness for much longer. I’m glad Bob and I were able to see you recently in that casual setting. Deb was a big part of Perrigo for so many years and you know we are all hurting for you. Sending much love to you and your family.
Beth and Bob Loftus
Reply
Gloria Dowdy Chase
September 8, 2023 at 4:04 pm
Tom and family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My heart hurts for you all.
I worked at Perrigo and have wonderful memories of conversations with Deb.
Reply
Amy Whitsit
September 9, 2023 at 5:24 pm
Tom and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for peace and strength during this time.
Reply
Amy K Fuller
September 16, 2023 at 10:13 pm
Brandy and family.. I am very sorry for your loss. Many prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Reply
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Deb was a 1974 graduate of Otsego High School and had worked for Perrigo for 41 years retiring in 2017. She enjoyed trips to the casino, she especially loved spending time with her friends and hanging out at her favorite social club, Salvino’s. She also enjoyed golfing, walking and being outside. More than anything, Deb loved her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren and watching their sporting events.
On October 19, 2002 she married Tom Smalla who survives; also surviving are her children, Steve (Kelly) VanSparrentak, of Alamo Twp, Brandi (Kevin Kahl) Leonard of Gobles, Beth (Eric) Covault of Byron Center, Sarah (Jimmy) DeJonge of Kalamazoo, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; her siblings, Vicki Chenelle, Maryann (Dan) Bowman, Chris (Terry) Leroy, Bill Markus, Bob (Lynda) Markus.
She was preceded in death by her parents and father William Markus and brother Dale Nelson.
Friends may meet with Deb’s family Friday, September 8, 2023 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego from 4 to 7 P.M.
A private burial of ashes will take place at Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego at a later time.
In lieu of flowers donations in Deb’s memory may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice. Special thanks to Lake House of Kalamazoo.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Deb Smalla
Condolence Messages
Douglas coulson
September 5, 2023 at 5:48 pm
Tom and Family ,
Cathy and I are very sorry too hear about Deb
Reply
Tonia Forney
September 5, 2023 at 6:04 pm
Mom Smalla,
I love you. You will be missed by all. Thank you for everything you did for me when I was younger and the talks that we had. Thank you also for my sister Brandi and my brother Steve. I will cherish our memories forever.
Love,
Tonia Forney ,( Leonard)
Reply
Tina Cook
September 5, 2023 at 6:09 pm
Tom and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Reply
Bonnie Crampton
September 5, 2023 at 6:27 pm
Brandi, my heart go out to you and your family. I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. You and your family are in my prayers. Sending Prayers & Hugs ❤️. Bonnie Crampton
Reply
Tim and Marcia Quigley
September 5, 2023 at 6:33 pm
Dear Tom and Family,
We are so very saddened to hear of Deb’s passing. We loved her so much! She was always so positive and she never gave up – we had so much fun when we would see her at Salvino’s! So many memories and good times to cherish! Please know she is now an Angel in Heaven watching over you!
Reply
Lisa Meyer
September 5, 2023 at 7:18 pm
Tom and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing, she was a true warrior. Prayers that wonderful memories will help to heal your hearts in the coming days.
Reply
Kim Kalchik
September 5, 2023 at 7:40 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Reply
Leon Harter jr.
September 5, 2023 at 7:45 pm
My prayers for Deb and all the family and friends
Reply
Kelly Krotz
September 5, 2023 at 7:47 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. She was loved by so many. I loved her beautiful smile. Sending lots of hugs and prayers to Tom and all the family ❤️. God bless you all.
Love Kelly, Roger and Rachel Krotz
Reply
Marnie Junker
September 5, 2023 at 7:56 pm
My deepest condolences to the family. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you Tom and the entire family.
Reply
Renee Robbins
September 5, 2023 at 8:27 pm
Tom and family- I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Deb. May the special memories you made together help you through this difficult time. Sending prayers and love…Renee Robbins
Reply
Joyce Galloway
September 5, 2023 at 8:45 pm
Tom and family we are so so sorry to hear of Debs passing. Sending prayers to you and all the family.
Reply
Beth Chapman
September 5, 2023 at 8:47 pm
Will miss you deb
Reply
Tom Plyley
September 5, 2023 at 9:18 pm
Tom, so sorry for your loss. Deb was truly a wonderful lady and so fun to be around. I will always cherish the memories I have of her.
Reply
Kurt Andree
September 6, 2023 at 3:52 am
There are no words for the loss of Deb, a person who was cherished by everyone who knew her. Tom, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Reply
Rob and Christy Matthes
September 6, 2023 at 8:28 am
I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Deb in the years I worked at Perrigo. A kind and caring person, who was always willing to help anyone. My condolences to Tom and to the family. God bless.
Reply
Diane Long
September 6, 2023 at 10:40 am
Tom & Family,
Mike and I send our prayers. Deb was always ready with a smile when we would see the two of you at Salvino’s.
Mike & Diane Long
Reply
Dave and Linda Hays
September 6, 2023 at 11:20 am
Tom and family, So sorry for your loss and will be praying for you all.
Reply
Diane Groh
September 6, 2023 at 12:26 pm
Tom,
Cherish all the great memories. So very sorry for your loss.
Reply
Jay & Tracey Miller
September 6, 2023 at 12:38 pm
Steve,
Very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you & your family in this time of sorrow. May many wonderful memories spent with her be a comfort to the family.
Reply
Terry Snyder
September 6, 2023 at 12:40 pm
Tom & family, so sorry for your loss. Deb was a great person, she will be missed.
Reply
Sarah Bartels Waynick
September 6, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Brandi,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you and your family.
Reply
Bud Radtke
September 6, 2023 at 3:59 pm
Tom and family Mollie and I are so sorry to hear about Deb.Thinking of you.Budr
Reply
Deborah Harrington
September 6, 2023 at 4:27 pm
Such a wonderful lady. Your smile and laugh will be missed by us all at happy hour. Prayers my friend
Reply
bruce leonard
September 6, 2023 at 6:43 pm
so sorry
Reply
Kim Slater
September 6, 2023 at 11:00 pm
Brandi and family, so sorry for the loss of your mom, loved one! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Reply
Stacey Madden
September 7, 2023 at 7:51 pm
Tom,
I am so very sorry. Please know you are being thought of and prayed for as you journey through this.
Reply
Barb Nordman
September 9, 2023 at 10:39 am
Tom and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Deb was a warrior and she will be missed by so many. Our prayers are with you and the family and friends. RIP friend.
Barb and Mike Nordman
Reply
Krcatovich
September 7, 2023 at 7:58 pm
Tom and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Such a sadness for all. We are sorry for your loss .
Mike & Joanne Krcatovich
Reply
Beth Loftus
September 8, 2023 at 5:35 am
Tom and Family,
It seems not long ago that we first found out at Salvino’s, although you had been dealing with her illness for much longer. I’m glad Bob and I were able to see you recently in that casual setting. Deb was a big part of Perrigo for so many years and you know we are all hurting for you. Sending much love to you and your family.
Beth and Bob Loftus
Reply
Gloria Dowdy Chase
September 8, 2023 at 4:04 pm
Tom and family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My heart hurts for you all.
I worked at Perrigo and have wonderful memories of conversations with Deb.
Reply
Amy Whitsit
September 9, 2023 at 5:24 pm
Tom and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for peace and strength during this time.
Reply
Amy K Fuller
September 16, 2023 at 10:13 pm
Brandy and family.. I am very sorry for your loss. Many prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
Search Obituaries
How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
Share This Obituary
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