Debbie Plese

Age 71 of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 27, 2023 at her home.

Born August 8, 1952 in Kankakee, Illinois, Debra Sue was a daughter of Paul and Doris (Jones) Jacobsen. She was raised and educated in Momence, Illinois and graduated from Momence High School with the Class of 1970. Debbie worked as a real estate agent in Oak Brook before gaining employment with Lewis University in Romeoville, where she retired as a benefits specialist in Human Resources following 25 years of service. On May 21, 1988, Debbie married James Anthony Plese in St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, and together they made a home and raised their son in Wilmington.

Debbie enjoyed craft shows and collecting. She also cherished family trips to the cabin in Minnesota and vacations to Florida. She was a gracious host, who loved family gatherings and was instrumental in so many holiday parties, including the annual 4th of July bash. Debbie will be most remembered for “doing it all”... She worked; raised her son; meticulously maintained the family home, and above all was a loving and dedicated mother and wife.

Survivors include her loving husband, Jim; son and daughter-in-law, Josh and Kimberly Plese of Bourbonnais; two grandchildren: Knox and Tenley; one brother, Don (Heidi) Jacobsen of Arizona; and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins including: Ray Jacobsen of Momence, Judy Yott of Manteno, Delaine Jacobsen of Arizona, and second cousins: Shelly and Brenda.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; Paul and Doris Jacobsen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Donita Plese; sister-in-law, Suzy Rhodes and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will follow Friday, September 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Sebastian Gargol presiding.

Burial will be in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be: Josh Plese, Wayne Morris, Al Ward, Ray Jacobsen, Jack Plese, Bob Rink, Alex Rink, Don Jacobsen, and Knox and Tenley Plese.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dianne Schaal whose friendship and extraordinary care for Debbie will never be forgotten, and also to Uplifted Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Debbie’s memory to St. Rose Catholic Church or to Uplifted Care Hospice.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Debbie’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)