A native of Monroe, Deb has directed the Monroe Swiss Singers since August of 1985 and the Männerchor New Glarus since 1995. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with a degree in vocal music education, Deb has a double applied major in organ and voice, with continued studies in organ. She also studied German throughout high school and some in college.

She is currently the Organist/Director of Music at Asbury United Methodist Church in Madison, Wisconsin, having served previous congregations since 1970, and having worked as an elementary music specialist in the Monroe Public Schools from 1977-1984.

Deb's "Swiss connection" is her paternal grandmother, Emma Schär Krauss, who immigrated to Green County, Wisconsin, in 1921 from the village of Balzenwil, canton Aargau, at nearly 18 years of age. Although Emma was never able to go back to Switzerland, Deb and her husband, Greg, have been able to visit Switzerland and her home village twice in recent years.

Deb and Greg live on their 165-acre grain farm which they operate north of Monroe....enough room to accommodate her 13 cats, 2 dogs and 3 goats (named Bärli, Aengeli and Greteli!)

Deb with her Swiss grandma, Emma Schär Krauss, on March 3, 1999, Emma's 96th birthday. Emma immigrated from Balzenwil, canton Aargau, in 1921 and in 1923, married Herman Kraus, also an immigrant, but from Schrozberg, Würtemberg, in Germany.

Deb with her husband, Greg, and Monroe Swiss Singer member and radio personality, Martha Bernet-Zumstein, originally from Leissigen, canton Bern.