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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carmen Therese Boortz, 62 years old of Hudson, Wisconsin, who died unexpectedly in her home on January 28th, 2022. She was born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin on January 22nd, 1960 to Glenn G. and Shirley I. (Livingston) Boortz. Carmen graduated from Barron High School in 1978. Carmen received her Bachelors Degree in Business Education in 1984 from The University of WI-Superior, as well as her teaching certification from The University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Carmen worked in Office Administration and Management at The Mayo Clinic, Gundersen Lutheran Health, and at The University of WI-River Falls and LaCrosse. She spent her life living in CA, AK, NC, MI, MN, and WI.
Carmen was a generous, nurturing spirit, who loved her children and spending time with her grandson. Her presence was punctuated by her “contagious” laugh and giggle. Carmen was a renaissance woman who was artful and handy. Her “zen” was found in gardening and the care of her plants. She renovated her homes, doing her own plumbing, electrical work, tile and flooring.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Shirley Boortz and her sisters, Anne Jilek and Mary Jo Boortz.
She is survived by: her daughter, Nicolette Larsen, son, Benjamin Larsen (Christin), one grandson, Keven; four sisters: Cathy (Robert) Schmidt; Barbara (Paul) Jeffrey; Cyndi (Richard) Boortz-Marx; Lisa (Kenneth) Hafstad; five brothers: Larry Boortz; Jim Boortz; Jerry (Vicki) Boortz; Tim (Mary) Boortz; and John (Diane) Boortz; her brother in-law Anthony Jilek and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Bridget Catholic Church (211 E Division St.) in River Falls. Visitation was also held on Saturday from 10-11 am at the church. Private family interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch Carmen’s recorded Memorial Mass of Christian Burial
6 Comments
I worked with Carmen at UWL for several years. She was a kind person and fun. My condolences to your family.
I worked closely with Carmen at UW-La Crosse for several years. She was very professional and helpful. She was very kind to the students, staff and faculty. Carmen always patiently helped me with my plants in the office with good humor. My condolences to the Boortz family.
Cyndi….saw this tribute to your sister and wanted to express my condolences for your loss. Losing a sibling is so difficult. Praying you will feel the comfort of friends and God during this sad time. Your old friend from WBH.
On behalf of the office of Multicultural Student Services (OMSS) at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, we extend our sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss. Carmen was a valued member of the staff team in OMSS at UWL and will be missed dearly!
I’d like to extend my deepest condolences to Carmen’s family. I met Carmen when we attended UW-Superior. In fact, if I’m not mistaken, I took her and a couple of her friends on their first airplane ride on what might have been my first or second flight after getting my pilot license. WHEW! (I still have the picture of her in the pilot seat!) Though I don’t know most of you, I did meet mom. dad, and Lisa-and it was clear how caring and loving your family was.
Regrettably, as happens when people get busy, I lost contact with Carmen when Nicolette and Benjamin were fairly young. I have nothing but fond memories of the years we did stay in touch. I recall hearing once that you can really get the measure of a person by how they make you feel, and Carmen made those around her feel special and loved. I will always remember how Carmen made me feel! She will be missed.
I do not know why, but on this New Years Day, I was putting my Christmas things away, and a Christmas card from Carmen from 2017 (with a note and picture of Keven taped to the card) just literally randomly fell out onto my lap as I putting past gift bags away. We became estranged shortly after that card was received, as I went through a breakdown and I was drinking so much alcohol, and although Carmen listened as much as she could tolerate, my mental health and alcohol abuse was too much for her. My dear friend, no worries 😌 I quit drinking and smoking cold turkey on 3/3/22. I love you my friend and I am truly sorry for not being a perfect friend to you as my conditions deteriorated. My deepest sympathies Cindi, kids, family and her beloved Keven. ❤️ Janet
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