Rebecca Jentz

Rebecca I. “Becky” Jentz, 85, of Platteville, died on Monday, March 4, 2019 at Our House Assisted Living in Platteville. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at First English Lutheran Church. Rev. Naomi Garber will officiate. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday, at the church. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Memorials may be made to the Rebecca “Becky” Jentz Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Becky was born on March 8, 1933, the daughter of Earl and Eunice Steers. She grew up on the family farm in Ellenboro township. Becky attended Bunker Hill grade school and graduated from Platteville High School. On June 4, 1951 she married the love of her life, Eldon Jentz. Eldon was drafted into the Army on August 6, 1951. Upon his return in December of 1953, they began farming on the family farm where they raised their five children. The farm and family occupied most of Becky's time. She was involved with the children in many of their activities including, 4-H dairy, sewing, baking, and other activities. She and Eldon farmed for 32 years until moving into town to their new home.

Becky was a 4-H leader for over 20 years, a member of Homemakers, the Rachel Rebekah Lodge, where she was Past Noble Grand and Past President of the district. She was also a member and former President of the Platteville thrift shop and First English Lutheran Church in Platteville, where she taught Sunday School classes and enjoyed attending worship until her health failed. Becky enjoyed trying new recipes, sometimes even being told its nothing she should serve to company. She also enjoyed growing African violets and other flowers, especially roses, and making flower arrangements. Other favorite hobbies included, crafting, such as needle crafts, doing puzzles, taking trips with Eldon, playing cards and many other board games with family and friends.

Becky was the loving mother of five children, Phyllis (Rick) Drezdon, LuAnn (John) Shea, Peggy McMillan, Alan (Sue) Jentz, and Amy (Steve) Hoeft; 14 grandchildren, Ryan (Samantha “Sam”) Drezdon, Alyssa (Dr. Andrew) Weeks, Jill (Louie) Wiederholt, in memory David (Lori & Jed Polzin) Shea, Mark (Chelsea) Shea, Steven (Tessa) Shea, Jeffery (Anna) Shea, Chantae (Devon) Langhorst, Shelbi Jentz, Alex Jentz, Jack Jentz, Jackie (Peter) Behl, Eric Hoeft, and Mark Hoeft; 17 great-grandchildren; god child, Diane (Millard) James, brother, Stanley (Mary) Steers, brother and sisters-in-law, Mervin (Helen) Jentz, Linda (Earl) Hollenberger, and Betty Millard and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon on October 22, 2009, her parents, grandson, David Shea, son-in-law, Badger “Mac” McMillan, brothers and sisters-in-law, Kathy Steers, Gilbert and Helen Jentz, Darold Millard, and nephew, Kent “Bubba” Steers. Becky dearly loved her family and hoped her love would have a positive effect on their lives.