Mary Susan Arentz, age 83 of Pleasant Prairie, WI, passed away peacefully at her daughter and son-in-law’s house on May 1, 2024, after a long courageous battle with cancer.
She was born August 5, 1940, in Winona, MN to Ted and Ruth (O’Neil) Bernatz. She grew up in Winona and graduated from the College of St. Teresa. After college she moved to Green Bay, WI to begin her teaching career. After a year in Green Bay, WI, she then moved to Kenosha, WI where she met Lawrence “Larry” Arentz; they were married in Winona, MN on August 28, 1965. She continued her teaching career and taught kindergarten for over 32 years in the Kenosha Unified School District.
She enjoyed a variety of activities including reading, gardening, casino bus trips, watching professional and college sport and spending time with family and friends. Watching her grandsons play sports was one of her favorite activities. Her faith was important and she was an active member at St. Therese Catholic Church. She was always reaching out to family and friends to stay in touch and offer help and support. She was a Eucharistic Minister and taught religious education classes. She was a poll worker for many years and volunteered at the Shalom Center. She was a member of KCREA (Kenosha County Retired Educators Association), the NEA and WEAC.
Survivors include her daughter Tricia (John) Roach, daughter-in-law Maria Arentz, grandchildren Lisa (Dan) Askvig, Michael (Josie Watson) Roach, Brian (Mae Guzlas) Roach, Stephanie (Adam) Brys, Eugene Martin, three great grandchildren, sister Kathy (Bill) Peterson, brother-in-law Dave Moulton and extended family and friends.
Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Larry, son Kevin Arentz, grandson Steven Arentz, sister Anne Moulton, and brother Michael Bernatz.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Horizon Home Care & Hospice, 11400 W. Lake Park Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53224 and Home Instead, 6011 Durand Ave., Ste 500, Racine, WI 53406 for their attention and care for Mary Sue. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shalom Center, 4314 39th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53144 or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Proko Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2024, at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 2020 91st St., Kenosha, WI. Entombment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum, Pleasant Prairie, WI.
