Susan Kay Gentz, 75, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Saturday, January 30, 2021. She was born June 5, 1945 to Alfred and Ruth (Eggert) Winter in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. She was a graduate of Prairie du Chien High School and studied at University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.
On March 22, 1991 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Prairie Du Chien, Susan was united in marriage with Chip Gentz. They would have celebrated 30 wonderful years together this year. Sue spent 16 years working and then managing Winter’s IGA and Winter’s Country Market with her father. She finished her career as the Office & Sales Manager at Edward’s Heating & Cooling in Prairie du Chien and retired after 31 years.
Sue enjoyed being involved in several bowling and golf leagues in her younger years. She was an active member in the local Eagles Club chapter, Jaycees, and Chamber of Commerce. She also participated and volunteered in the Eagles Cancer Telethon. Sue was an avid Packer fan and had a passion for boating, fishing on the Mississippi River, and gardening. Each year her friends and family were eager to receive her famous pickles and salsa. Sue was a devoted wife, loving mother and sister, and proud grandmother. For those that knew and encountered Sue they will remember her sense of humor, quick wit, and determination to live life to the fullest.
Susan is survived by her husband, Chip Gentz of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; her children, Dawn (Jon) Paul and Alex (Lisa) Dearborn; step-children, Beth (David) Welter and Raymond (JoAnn) Gentz; grandchildren, Callie, Cole, Isaac, Max, Zoe, AJ (Tress), Justin (Shauntelle), Devin, RJ, Jake and Juliette; great-grandchildren, Tallon and Stella; siblings, Judy Jacobson and Bill (Mardell) Winter; and her nephews, Marc Jacobson and Barry (Mari) Winter, and great nephew Kenzo.
Susan was preceded in death by her first husband, Melvin Dearborn; parents, Alfred and Ruth Winter; and brother-in-law, Jim Jacobson.
Per Susan’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a cancer foundation of your choice in her memory.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-3 pm on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Leisure Time in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
There will be a private graveside service.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is assisting the family.