LaVerne Catherine Gentz

LaVerne Catherine Gentz, 94, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday morning, September 28, 2022. The effects of aging had dimmed her smile so we are happy that she is now reunited with our dad after nearly seventeen years apart. She was born on September 1, 1928 in Racine to Peter P. and Margaret (Sorenson) Ryterske Sr. She graduated from Washington Park High School in 1946. On November 26, 1949 she and Donald Robert Gentz were united in marriage at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. She was a long-time employee of AT&T, retiring in 1988. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family with her favorite destination being Hawaii. She was a happy volunteer for Our Harmony Club. She enjoyed her family and was devoted to each and every one. She is survived by her daughters, Paula (Greg) Renz, Nancy (Roger) Cipov, Patty (Chris) Peterson, and Karen (Carl) Bauer and by her grandchildren, James (Jamie) Marquardt, Joe (Ashley) Marquardt, Scott Peterson, Katy (Chris) Tomczak, Ally (Matt) Hasel, Emily (Jordan) Underly, Jacob Bauer, and Tara (Matt) Wofford. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Vanessa (Jason) Kent, Cheyanne Hasel, Poppy Marquardt, Matthew Wofford, Mackenzie Wofford, Vada Marquardt, Lincoln Marquardt, Corbin Hasel, Dane Tomczak, Micah Marquardt, Everly Marquardt, Oliver Underly, and Tommy Underly, and one great-great-grandchild, Jaxon Kent. She is also survived by her sister, Kathy (Ron) Barth. She is also survived by many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, in 2005. She lost her grandson Charlie Peterson, in 1988. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Margaret Ryterske Sr and by her brother and sister-in-law Peter and Mary Ryterske Jr., frequent travel partners. She also lost her nephew, Tom Ryterske, her niece, Sharon Demet, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ben and Ruth Zaionc. Funeral services will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 2417 Drexel Ave, Racine, on Wednesday October 5, 2022 at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. If desired memorials can be made to the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

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LaVerne Catherine Gentz

September 1, 1928 - September 28, 2022