Louella Arleen Schaenzer

Louella Arleen Schaenzer, age 97, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, at Dove Health Assisted Living in Osseo, Wisconsin, with her loving daughter by her side.

Louella was born at home on May 29, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Rueben and Helen (Thurow) Koebel.

On February 28, 1948, she married Donald E. Lentz in Milwaukee, and together they welcomed two children. Louella was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend whose love for her family was evident throughout her life. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and she found comfort and strength in daily prayer.

As life unfolded, Louella met Lincoln Sellon while working at her nephew's hardware store in Shorewood, Wisconsin. The two married and shared many wonderful adventures. They especially enjoyed fishing together, including memorable trips to Boulder Junction, Wisconsin, where they proudly reeled in keeper muskies. They also enjoyed life on their hobby farm, where they gardened, raised sheep, and kept bees.

Following Lincoln's passing, Louella reconnected with an old friend, Richard Schaenzer. They married and made their home in Altoona, Wisconsin. Together, they enjoyed fishing trips, an Alaskan cruise, cooking side by side, and dancing whenever the mood struck.

Louella had an extraordinary zest for life and a determination to keep moving. She loved walking and proudly logged six to ten miles a day well into her later years. During one Heart Challenge, she walked an impressive 100 miles in a single month, reportedly reaching her goal in just half that time! Her beloved talking dog, Frisky, was her faithful companion, often riding along in her walker as she made her rounds. Her friends at Dove Health will fondly remember seeing Louella walking the halls, frequently accompanied by one of her cherished animal friends.

Louella was also an enthusiastic Milwaukee Brewers fan who loved cheering on her team. Whether celebrating a victory or hoping for a comeback, she enjoyed following her beloved Brewers and the excitement of baseball season.

Above all, Louella will be remembered for her love of family, her strong faith, her adventurous spirit, and her remarkable energy. She embraced life's simple pleasures and created memories that will be treasured by those who knew and loved her.

Louella is survived by her son, Daniel (Susan) Lentz of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, and daughter, Bonnie (Victor) Firkus of Fairchild, Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Jeffrey (Alicia) Lentz, Trisha (Dale) Lilly, Brenda (Dean) Wermeling, Christopher (Erica) Lentz, Brian (Sarah) Firkus, Sandra (Jimmy) Firkus, and Angela (Cameron) Lane.

She is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren, with another on the way; two great-great-grandchildren; her cousin, Audrey Wordell; and numerous nieces, nephews, stepchildren, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Merlin (Lucile) Koebel and Orville (Barbara) Koebel; and her great-great-granddaughter, Evangeline Rusch.

Louella's family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Heartland Hospice and Dove Health for the kindness, support, and loving care they provided throughout her final journey.

Louella's 97 years were filled with faith, family, friendship, and adventure. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

A memorial service for Louella will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1804 Highland Ave. Eau Claire at 11 A.M. on Saturday, October 24. Visitation will be held from 10 A.M. until time of service.