Ricky Lee Arentz

Ricky Lee Arentz, 56 of French Island, La Crosse passed away unexpectedly of an asthma attack while riding his bike on Friday, August 7, 2020. He was born in La Crosse on November 13, 1963 to Vernon Lee and Eleanor (Paulson) Arentz. Ricky graduated from Logan High School in 1981 and later studied at WWTC for mechanical design and printing. He was baptized and confirmed at Olivet Lutheran Church and was attending weekly AA meetings there up until Covid 19 struck.

Ricky had been employed by Gateway Foods, Sears, ORC and had held several miscellaneous jobs through Riverfront (APTIV). He loved his music, playing guitar, Dale Earnhardt, Harley Davidson and the Green Bay Packers. He also loved fast cars and working on them with his friends. He also loved going to concerts, casinos, scratch offs and a good Friday night fish fry.

Even though Ricky struggled with mental Illness most of his life, he did his best to live each day to the fullest. He enjoyed a good laugh and to make people laugh as well. He always had a big smile and a hug for everyone.

Ricky was loved very much by his family and friends and will be missed greatly.

He is survived by his three sisters; Diana Sanderson, Susan (Dennis) Johnson, Wendy (David) Chatterton, his nieces and nephews Shelly (Dale) Krambeer, Dean Sanderson (friend Lizza), John (Samantha) Van Dyck, Charlene (Patrick) Zywicki, Emily (Scott) Silverson and his favorite furry niece Sapphire. He is further survived by great nieces and nephews Mitchell, Kiarra, Abbigail, Alexia, Alana, Jacob, Mackenzie, Kyle, Connor, Elise, Isaac and special friends Mark “Bear” and Beulah (2 ^nd mom) Sanders.

Those who preceded him in death include his parents, baby brother, paternal and maternal grandparents, his step father Robert Arentz, several aunts and uncles and his faithful furry companion “Skippy”.

The family would like to thank all his support/group workers, counsellors, doctors and nurses that helped make his life a better place through the years and a sincere thank you to the Town of Campbell Police and first responders, EMT’s and neighbors that provided aid to Ricky.

Visitation will be held for the public from 4 until 7 pm on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services La Crosse chapel; 200 West Ave. South. Those in attendance are asked to practice safe social distancing and wear a face covering. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated in Ricky’s memory.