Loretta L. Gentz (nee Paff), age 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Cedar Lake Health Center in West Bend. She was born on June 16, 1929 in Dorchester, WI, to Leonard and Olga Paff (nee Papesch). Loretta grew up on a farm near Dorchester, and moved to Milwaukee with her family after she completed high school. She met her husband, Karl, who lived in the house next door, and they married in 1950. During this time Loretta sang with a small group on a weekly radio program, and began her career as a loan officer at North Shore State Bank (now Wells Fargo) in Shorewood. Loretta and Karl retired to live in Mayville in 1992.

Loretta is survived by her daughter, Sheryl, her grandson Steven Morales, and her great-grandchildren Tiegan, Riley and Amaris. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Loretta is preceded in death by her husband Karl, her son , Mark, her three siblings and their spouses, Ione (Clarence) Block, Valerie (Ray) Darga, and Mannie (Frances) Paff. In addition she is preceded by Karl's siblings and their spouses, Bob (Jeanette), Mary (Nick) Strand, Jean (Del) Clavette, Jane (Harold) Kirsch, Fred (Bea), Phil (Irene), Dave (Marge).

Loretta was a loving and generous wife, mother, grandmother, friend and dog-mom. Loretta spent the last nine years as a resident of Cedar Community in West Bend. Four of those years she was joined by Karl. Her years at Cedar Community were happy and fulfilling. Her family is immensely grateful to the staff at Cedar Community for the loving and compassionate care of Loretta.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 10, 10:00, at the Phillip Funeral Home (1420 W. Paradise Dr, West Bend, WI 53095). A memorial service will follow at 11:30 at the funeral home. Interment will be on a later date at Resurrection Cemetery in Mequon.


In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Cedar Community (113 Cedar Ridge Drive, West Bend, WI 53095) or the Wisconsin Humane Society (wihumane.org/donate/memorials-honorary-gifts).