Patricia Gentz

Patricia "Tricia" Romaine Gentz, age 80, of De Pere, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, after an ongoing battle with heart and kidney problems. She was born on April 20, 1935, in California, to the late Mara Belle Gertrude Johnson and Johnny Fike. She was raised by her parents in California and moved to Wisconsin in her late 40's. She worked from the time she was 12 years of age through her 80th birthday, full-time until her retirement from St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay on Aug. 4, 2015. She worked retail in her earliest years; served as a crisis center counselor in her 30's, and spent the last 40 years as a financial counselor -first with Montgomery Wards and the last 33 years with the Hospital Sisters. Tricia was compassionate and skilled, helping thousands of patients settle their accounts over her three decade career. She answered the phone as "Trish Johnson" and found enjoyment helping people solve their problems. She volunteered at Nativity of Our Lord Parish as a bingo organizer and caller for many years. Patricia loved to cook and host the family holiday meals. She was artistic and enjoyed creating gift baskets and needle work. Her decorating skills were such t...[more]

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Toonen properties photographed her apartment for their brochure. Her biggest love was her grandchildren and she took great pride in sharing them with anyone who would listen. Survivors include her daughter, Tracy (Terrence) Ertl of Green Bay; son, Stephen Gentz of Green Bay; grandson, Andrew Ertl, of New York City; granddaughter, Christine MaraBelle Ertl, of Duarte, California; grandson, Bradley Ertl, of Huntsville, Texas; a half-sister, Kathy Lazarus (Glidden), of Colorado; and her ex-husband, Charles Gentz, of Wisconsin. Tricia was preceded in death by her parents and Aunt Kay Fike, all of California. She will be deeply missed by family, friends and former co-workers. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 2270 South Oneida Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday with the Rev. John H. Harper officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Tricia's family would like to extend a special thank you for the ongoing care of Dr. John Shrake, Dr. Todd Fergus; and recent care in her final days by Father John "Jack" Harper, Dr. Stuart Sheets, home health nurse "Karolina", Unity Hospice, the staff and new friends at Golden Living Center, and Lyndahl Funeral Home. God speed momma.