Laura L. Wentz

Laura L. Wentz

PORTAGE – Laura L. Wentz, of Portage, lost her courageous battle with cancer at the age of 57, on Friday, October 27, 2023.

She was an avid reader, often devouring a book a day. She enjoyed birding, often traveling to neighboring states in search of an elusive bird she heard about from her many friends in the birding community. An accomplished photographer, capturing beautiful images most often while doing her first love, working her livestock on her sprawling farm in Caledonia, that she shares with her two loving children, Nick and Marissa.

Laura loved traveling and gardening as much as spending time with friends and family, especially having lunch with her sisters, Carol Heisz and Susan Miller. The three close knit sisters are affectionately known as the "Daehn Girls."

She will be greatly missed by so many. Parents, Dennis Daehn and "step-monster" Judy Kapture; and mom, Karen Daehn. Children: Nick and Marissa Wentz; sisters: Carol Heisz and Susan (Seth) Miller; nephews: Ethan (Enya) Daehn, Jordan and Cameron Heisz; and grandniece Sienna; her beloved honorary grandkids: Jacob and Chase; her mother-in-law, Grandma Kay; countless friends, neighbors, dog/birding/Facebook friends, and many longtime friends from her part-time, but lifelong position at Portage Printing. She adored her dogs, Tipper, Zach, Millie, and Piper; and her grand dog, Bugg. She is preceded in death by brother-in-law, Lee Heisz; honorary mom, Marge; dear friend, Marvin MacLeish; and several grandparents; and her loving aunt, Diana Podolski.

Laura lived her best life, each and every day and would want the same for all of you, so make the most of today. Buy the plant. See the bird. Adopt the pet. Take that trip. Take the picture. Live like Laura.

The family will announce a Celebration of Life, at a later date, on Laura's personal Facebook page.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her oncology team at the UW Carbone Clinic, led by Dr. Laconte, and her favorite nurse, Sandy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Badgerland Bird Alliance, 211 W. Paterson St, Madison, WI, 53703, the UW Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, or to your local Humane Society or Library.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com) is assisting the family.