Lois Amelia Krentz

Lois Amelia Krentz (Reich, Wetzel) passed peacefully in her own home, 13 Margaret Avenue, while asleep, July 10, 2013. She lived a full life, being in control of her world and enjoying herself more than most of the human race. Lois was a lifetime resident of Fort Atkinson, and proud of it. Lois was born April 16, 1922, to Louis B. Reich and Luella Amelia Hake, joining a 12 year old sister Leona.

Her father passed in 1928, and in 1930 Charles Wetzel became her step-father and the family lived at 318 Monroe St. Lois, and her best friend Loa Sprung, grew up with tales to tell. Lois graduated from Evangelical Deaconess School of Nursing in 1943. She knew from the beginning she was going to be a nurse. Following graduation she started her career in surgery at Deaconess Hospital, and soon returned home to work in the Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital on 408 Madison Avenue.

Lois married Robert Edwin Krentz, her high school sweetheart who graduated with her from Fort Atkinson High School in 1940. Bob served in the US Navy and returned as an engineer at Creamery Package Mfg. Susan Katherine Krentz was born August 22, 1948. In 1950 Lois was part of the move of Fort Atkinsons hospital from Madison Avenue to 611 East Sherman Avenue. She became the second shift nurse supervisor. To be a good mother she moved her career to occupational health, and shared her nursing skills at Jamesway Industries until she retired. The first significant event of which Lois had no control was the loss of her daughter in a traffic accident while away at school to become a stewardess. The second was when husband Bob passed of cancer, shortly following their 50th Anniversary grand celebration.

Lois was a participating member of Martha Chapter #66, Order of Eastern Star, holding many positions such as Worthy Matron in 1994. In 1997 she served as Grand Warder for the Grand Chapter of Wisconsin Order of Eastern Star. The Fort Atkinson Eli Pierce Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution was also of importance. Lois was honored to be able to trace her lineage to the American Revolutionary War, hold offices in DAR, and respected her office as Reagent. She loved committees such as those dealing with scholarships. She was a 20 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Lois and Bob were devout members of Trinity Lutheran Church. She worked hard researching church history for Trinitys 50th Anniversary in 1993.

Lois was an accomplished quilter gaining recognition from the Fort Atkinson Piecemakers Guild, State (WI) Guild Symposium, and in Paducah Kentucky at the American Quilters Show and Competition. Her accomplishments as an organist are remembered. She had the most fun playing alone at home and for Eastern Star meetings. Lois loved family gatherings and holidays together as long as she did not have to cook! She downhill skied through her 70s and golfed through her 80s. Lois loved to play cards, and spoke fondly of every person who played Bridge with her, and of her dearest Hand-and-Foot friends who met at her home when she could no longer get out. She enjoyed the many friends she made and their adventures together. She had a pact with her friend Peggy to have no sorrow when they departed, but to remember the good times and laugh. She employed this often in recent years, and requested the same of those who remain.

Lois is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded by Husband Robert - May 11, 1991; Daughter Susan - April 4, 1968; father Louis B. Reich; mother Luella Amelia Hake Reich Wetzel; step-father Charles Wetzel; Sister Leona Wetzel; Aunt Helen Hake; and step-brothers Charles, Walter, and Rudolph.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson with Pastor Bryan Engfer officiating with an Eastern Star service beginning at 1:45 p.m. Visitation will be from 12 noon on Thursday at the church until time of Easter Star service. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

It is her wish that memorials be made to the Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation Inc. She received flowers throughout her lifetime, with the greatest memory of those for her 90th birthday bash. She wishes her memory now live on through her first career choice.

The Dunlap Memorial Home is assisting the family.

www.dunlapmemorialhome.com

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