Debra Kootsillas

Debra Joan Kootsillas, nee Karnes, was born January 28, 1954, to Edmund and Dolores Karnes. She was raised as the oldest of four siblings in a one-bathroom house in Lincoln Park. She graduated from Lincoln Park High School in 1972 and immediately entered the workforce as a cashier at Budd’s Party Store. She was soon recruited to work for Sam’s Beer Store, where she would remain for the next 35 years. She brought all of her younger brothers and sister to work there, teaching them responsibility and hard work. She was a calming influence on the young men and women who were starting their first job. She had a positive impact on the customers and could be trusted implicitly. Debra would remain at Sam’s until the store closed permanently and she chose to retire.

It was while working at Sam’s that Debra met the love of her Life, Frank Kootsillas. Frank would stop in on the way to or from work and their relationship bloomed. They married and she embraced Franks’s four sons into her life. They were inseparable in life and found joy in each other’s company, staying together until Frank’s death. 

Debra never thought about herself but how she could help those around her. A ride to work or the airport, emergency babysitting, picking up kids at school, no matter what was needed she’d be there without complaint. She was considered a superhuman Aunt for never missing school or sports events and always bringing special treats. She was a listening ear for her nieces and nephews as they navigated life, offering support and encouragement. She had a sense when people were sad or ailing and she would be calling with needed support. She was renowned for her homemade cakes that made each birthday special, each child would say what they wanted on their cake and she would make it happen. She loved to cook and baking was her specialty. The smell of pies made from her grandmothers recipes would permeate family gatherings.

Debra’s compassion extended to all of God’s creatures as well. Birds that had fallen from their nests, baby rabbits, squirrels would be brought to her for help. Many nights she would be feeding the babies every hour doing what she could. Not all would survive but she never gave up. Debra found solace in her backyard sanctuary. There she would sit with Frank near her pond surrounded by her massive oaks watching the birds and squirrels. Debra faithfully attended mass at St.Pius Catholic Church and would volunteer as a Eucharistic Minister with her husband Frank. She enjoyed working the Ice Cream Counter at St. Pius’ annual festival.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Dolores Karnes, her husband Frank Kootsillas and step Son Frank Kootsillas. She is survived by her siblings, Edmund Karnes, Thomas E.(Mary) Karnes Sr., Laurie (Tom) Rothe, and Frederick W. (Rose) Karnes, her daughter-in-law, Sherri (Mark) Pelts, step sons Kevin (Lisa) Kootsillas, Jeff (Anna) Kootsillas, Corey (Kathy Shuel) Kootsillas, her grandchildren, great grandchild and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 31st, 2026, at the Trenton Chapel of the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes from 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM. The rosary will be said at 7:00 PM followed by a Sharing of Memories. Debra will lie instate on Monday, June 1st, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church beginning at 9:30 am. Mass will begin at 10:00 AM.

If you wish to make a donation in Debra's name, please consider donating to The Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Heart to Heart Hospice, or The National Wildlife Federation.