Lucille R. Krentz

Lucille R. Krentz, age 96, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Ripon Community Hospital in Ripon, with her daughter by her side.

Lucille was born on May 14, 1929 in Wautoma, WI. She was the youngest daughter of Ellery and Eva (Johannas) Dutcher. Lucille graduated from Wautoma High School in 1945 at the age of 16 as class salutatorian; played drums in the band and was a cheerleader for all school sports. She attended the two year Waushara County Normal School in Wautoma. She began her teaching career at a one room school with grades 1-8. She had the full responsibility of running her school, being the janitor, starting a fire in the wood burning stove each morning, pumping water, shoveling snow and caring for the outhouse facility.

On June 25, 1948 Lucille was united in marriage to Darwin Krentz at the Wautoma Methodist Church. They then moved to Ripon where she taught at Fletcher, Rosendale-Center, Dod, Elo and Pickett schools. She taught for 40 years and retired from Ripon Middle School, grade 4. During her career she completed her education with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oshkosh. She was a member of the Retired Teacher’s Association.

Lucille was an active member of the Elo Methodist Church in Pickett, WI for most of her adult life. Church projects included food for funerals, craft sales, and cooking for the infamous “Turkey Dinner.” Upon the closing of that church she transferred to Immanuel United Methodist Church in Ripon where she continued cooking and baking for church events. She was a member of a church ladies society for many years.

She enjoyed sewing for her daughter, making wonderful Halloween costumes; baking, her specialty being Raspberry pie; flower gardening; and making wreaths and craft projects. In the winter she sold Christmas trees for the family business. She was an active member of the Ripon Science Club, Wautoma Eastern Star, and 4-H club instructor.

Lucille lived her life with dignity, giving herself unselfishly whenever anyone she loved or cared for was in need of help. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and past students (who frequently state “she was my favorite teacher”).

Survivors include her daughter, Karen Krentz of Ripon, WI; her brother, Howard Dutcher of Wautoma, WI; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Darwin; and her sisters, Llewellyn Dutcher, Judy Ellis, and Bernadine Edwards.

A graveside service for the family will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Richford, WI, with Rev. Dr. Heather Brewer officiating. A celebration of life will be held later in the spring.

A special thank you to the Ripon Hospital staff who provided excellent care during her final days; Lonnie, Jane, Scott Mann, and Cathi Otto for providing family support; and Jean Harms’ friendship.