Kay Krentz

Virginia “Kay” Krentz, of Hertel, WI, passed away from this life to her heavenly home on April 17, 2024 at the Vita Care Assisted Living Center in Spooner, WI. She was 83 years old. Kay was born March 3, 1941 in Grantsburg, WI., to parents Hobart and Esther O’Donnell.

Kay attended grade school in Hertel, WI and Siren, WI and graduated from high school there in 1959. She spent time in Minneapolis, MN working as a bookkeeper.

By 1960, Kay met her future husband, John “Jack” Krentz, they were married September 16, 1961, at Lakeview Church of Hertel, WI. They welcomed three children during this time, residing in Frederic and Grantsburg, WI.
The family later moved to Springfield, MN, where the couple owned a grocery store. While it was a time filled with good memories, the family returned “home” to Frederic, WI in 1976. Kay spent time working at the IGA and Early Mart as well as continuing to raise their kids with Jack.

In the late 1980’s, it was time for Jack to build their retirement home in Hertel, WI. They happily lived out the rest of their years there. Kay worked at the Hertel General Store and a local gift shop. She spent her hours with crafting, painting, embroidery, baking, and service time at the Siren Lioness Club and the Clam River Tuesday Club. Jack and Kay attended Lakeview Church during this time, too.

As with most of her life, Kay loved spending time with family and friends. Whether it was attending the Lutheran or Methodist churches, Kay found faith in the Lord to be the anchor of her life.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents, Hobart and Esther O’Donnell; loving husband, Jack Krentz; daughter, Lisa Unertl; sisters, Marian Brinken and Nancy Anderson; brothers; Dean O’Donnell and Neil O’Donnell.

She will forever be missed by her children, Susan (Lowell) Ackerman and Joel Krentz, son-in-law, John Unertl III; grandson, John Unertl IV; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Her one wish as she got closer to saying “goodbye” was “Forget me not”. We won’t; how could we?

The funeral for Kay will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM (visitation from 10-11) at Lakeview United Methodist Church in Hertel, WI (23980 Co. Rd. X, Hertel, WI., 54871) with Pastor Ferdinand Serra officiating. Interment will take place following the service at the Hertel Lakeview Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.