October 23, 2019 – West Bend, WI –Laurel Degnitz passed away unexpectedly and entered Eternal Life on October 17, 2019.
Laurel was born to Willard and Florence Degnitz on December 22, 1949. She lived the majority of her youth in Boltonville, WI and graduated from Kewaskum Community High School in 1968. Laurel went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater,where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1972. Laurel worked for the Kettle Moraine YMCA, in West Bend, WI, as Director and Teacher for their child daycare program for 23 years. Later, Laurel worked for the state of Wisconsin as a daycare inspector, assisting with daycare inspection and licensure for 19 years, until she retired.
In retirement, Laurel loved to play cards, read a variety of books, spend time with friends and family, and travel to visit friends and family in other parts of the country. Laurel was a life long member of St. Martin’s United Church of Christ, in Fillmore, WI, where she sang and directed the church choir. Church, family, and friends were all precious and important to her.
Laurel attended every big event in her family and with friends. Laurel was always beaming with pride at each event. Without fail, Laurel would cry, and family lovingly made fun of her for that, but family members knew Laurel loved every one of them. Laurel proudly displayed pictures of family and friends in her home. Laurel loved all of her family and friends and they all loved her. Her family’s greatest comfort is knowing that Laurel is in heaven with her Lord and Savior; singing in the choir, probably wearing a bedazzled gown, with her fabulous nails, and her loud infectious laugh that was so easily recognized.
Laurel is survived by her sisters, Nancy (James) Eberhardt, and Carolyn (Rev. Alan) Gumm, as well her sister -in-law, Lori Degnitz. Laurel is further survived by 6 nephews, 4 nieces, 6 great grand nephews, 10 great grand nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. Laurel is preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Florence Degnitz, her brother, Rev. Thomas Degnitz, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Memorial service for Laurel Degnitz, will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Noon, at St. Martin’s United Church of Christ, in Fillmore (592 County Road H, Fredonia) with Lay Minister Dan Noenning officiating.
Laurel’s family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Inurnment will be private with family at Fillmore Union Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family of Laurel Degnitz, St. Martin’s UCC Church, or the charity of the individual’s choice.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Laurel’s arrangements.
