Christine E. Genz

Christine E. Genz, 84, passed away on August 25, 2026 at her home.

Chris was born in La Crosse, WI on October 12, 1941 to Alex and Elsie (Panke) Genz. She grew up on the North side, and after graduating from Logan High School, she attended nursing school in Rockford, IL and became an LPN. She worked for many years at Lutheran Hospital (now Emplify Health) in La Crosse and especially enjoyed working in the nursery in the OB department. She knitted hats and booties for the babies in her spare time.

Chris later became the primary caregiver for her parents. Following her father’s death in 1989, she and her mother continued to live in the family home and adopted their beloved dog, Sheba. Eventually they moved to separate apartments, but Chris spent hours with her mother every day until she passed away in 2012.

Family was her first priority, and she was close to all of her siblings, especially her sister Kathy. She took care of her nephews and nieces when they were young, and later her great nephews and niece. Chris loved babies, children, and dogs. She adopted her dachshund mix, Michael, from the Humane Society and he was her greatest joy. She had a wicked sense of humor and an infectious laugh, and she never met a dessert she didn’t like. She was an avid doll collector and had an impressive collection, even after downsizing prior to moving to her apartment.

Chris is survived by her sister, Mary H. Genz; brothers Thomas (Mary J.) and William (Joyce); nephews Steven (Pam) Baier, Mark (Amelia) Baier, John (Terri) Baier; nieces Geri (Sam) Nettles, Amanda Allen, and Karen Genz; great nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Elsie Genz; her sister, Katherine Baier; infant brother, James; and nephew, Daniel Genz.

A prayer service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Coulee Region Humane Society are preferred.