Debra L. Arentz

Debra L. “Debbie” Arentz, 56 of La Crosse passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at her home. She was born June 7, 1959 in Sparta, WI and graduated from Sparta High School in 1977. She received her associate degree in nursing from Western Technical College in La Crosse in 1979.
Debbie touched many lives with her excellent nursing care while serving as an Intensive Care nurse at Lutheran Hospital for over 20 years. After leaving the ICU, she spent six years in Care Coordination at Gundersen-Lutheran, caring for chronic fragile patients. She often said that, “every day I was privileged to take care of patients.” She developed long lasting relationships with patients, often caring for them long after she left care coordination. Many families “adopted” Debbie and kept in close touch through the years.
Recently Debbie had started a new career at Logistics Health, again touching many lives and found LHI such a warm and happy environment. She remarked what fun it was when Don Weber would see employees in the coffee shop and treat them to a cup.
Debbie was loved by so many friends who were all touched by her quiet humor and gentle ways. Her best friend was Jake, her treasured dog. They loved long walks in Hixon Forest and trips to McDonalds for a treat. She loved times spent on her porch and patio, sharing gin and tonics with friends. On those summer evenings the neighbors heard happy voices and so much laughter. She treasured her time with friends and gave so much of her love to them. Debbie traveled, hiked, enjoyed her country music and always loved a good bargain.
Debbie is survived by a special aunt, Garnett Sams; four brothers, three sisters, several nieces and nephews and countless friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4:00 P.M. Monday, March 7th at Roncalli Newman Center, 1732 State Street, La Crosse with Rev. Robert Cook officiating. Private burial will take place in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 3:00 P.M. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Debra Arentz Scholarship fund for Nursing.