Deborah Rothing-Hillestad

Deborah Marie Rothing-Hillestad (58) of Woodruff, WI went to a pain free place on Thursday, January 19, 2012 surrounded by her loved ones and devoted Seasons of Life Hospice staff. She was born February 8, 1953 in Ashland, WI to Elman and Bettie Parent. Her father Elman preceded her in death in 1980. Deb had a long career bartending at many establishments in Stevens Point and the Northwoods. She prided herself on being the "best dressed bartender" and always greeted everyone with an inviting warm welcome smile. Her sense of humor is reflected by the book she always wanted to write entitled "37 Years Behind Bars," but never got around to it before her lengthy illness. When not working, she loved to travel to her favorite spots sunning on the beaches in Florida, the Carribean, various Mexican cities and Cannes, France. Closer to home, she adored boating trips with good friends on the Minocqua chain and cruising through the Apostle Islands. Her hobbies included gardening, particularly flowers of all kinds, decorating especially at Christmas and she was a fabulous baker - famous for her amazing pistachio torte! Deb is survived by her significant other of over 17 years, Dan Hillestad and her beloved furry felines Willie, Mandy and Maggie Mae who will miss her very much! She also leaves her loving mother Bettie Parent, sister Cheri (Dave) Bruch, brother Mick (Jen) Parent, and special nephews Josh Carrington, Kurt and Zach Melby and grand-nephew Joshua Michael Carrington. She is also survived by her second family, the Hillestad's. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 23rd at Bolger Funeral Home-Minocqua Chapel from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Funeral Mass will be held at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff on Tuesday, January 24th at 2:00 PM with a visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the church. Deb's favorite song was Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum – "Oh set me up with the spirit in the sky, that's where I'm gonna go when I die, when I die and they lay me to rest, I'm gonna go to the place that's the best." The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations in Deb's name be made to either: Humane Society of Vilas County, PO Box 904 Eagle River, WI 54521, VilasHumane.org or 715-479-9777 or Northwoods Wildlife Center 8683 Blumenstein Road Minocqua, WI 54548, northwoodswildlifecenter.org or 715-356-7400

Deborah Rothing-Hillestad

February 8, 1953 - January 19, 2012