Paige Bootz

Paige Lynn Bootz (Bootzie), 17, of Wausau was an aspiring musician, artist and dancer that passed early September 14, 2015. She was born on July 25th, 1998 in Wausau, the first born daughter of Matt and Jamie (Lodholz) Bootz. Paige was a senior at Wausau East High School where she was a member of the Wausau East Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Tophatters, 4-H and National Honor Society.

Paige is survived by her parents, Matt and Jamie (Lodholz) Bootz; her siblings Bailey, Marri, Bowen, Sophia and Brexton as well as her step-parents Angela Spranger and Brent Zastrow. She was the eldest granddaughter to her maternal grandparents Deb and Leroy Gorski of Wausau; and also by her paternal grandparents Ron and Pam Bootz also of Wausau; and great-grandparents Lois Kainz, Elmer Bootz, and Dorothy and Linford Larson. She was met in heaven by her maternal grandfather Wayne Lodholz and paternal great grandmother Blanche Bootz. Paige was honored to serve as godparent to her cousin Ivan Roy Krueger and will be missed by many other aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and classmates.

Paige was an accomplished flute, alto saxophone and tenor saxophone player. Her challenging high school curriculum included classes in the International Baccalaureate program. Last year she applied for and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Paige was an intricate part of the many band groups she participated in and gained the nickname "Mama Bear" for being a role model to her younger bandmates and encouraging them to work hard to meet their goals. This year she marched in the Athens Parade as well as the Wausau Memorial and Labor Day parades. She recently applied to the UW System, planned to pursue her elementary education degree and dreamed of joining the UW Marching Band

Paige was a member of Heidi's Dance Studio in Wausau for the last 15 years. She was honored with merits at the Wisconsin Valley Fair for her artistry and participated the last three years in Chalkfest in downtown Wausau. Paige was a skilled archer serving as team captain and participating in the Wausau Archery Team, Rib Mountain Bow Club and Badger State Games. She was a volunteer at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in their youth group, mission trips to Iowa and Puerto Rico and as a confirmation teacher. She also volunteered as a Wausau East tutor and camp counselor for the Wausau School Forest.

Paige was a mentor not just to her community but also to her many younger siblings and cousins. Her drive and determination to always better herself and look toward the future was an inspiration to all those around her. Paige had a kind, loving and nurturing heart that was always sympathetic to those around her. She was often the first to stand up for those that could not for themselves, even when it came at expense to herself. Her smile, joy, optimism and zest for life made it impossible for her to go unnoticed. Her humor and laughter will be forever greatly missed.

Paige's favorite quote so perfectly sums up our beautiful girl- "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived- that is to have succeeded." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19th from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran, 930 Edgewood Dr, Wausau, WI 54403. Sunday visitation will also be held at Good Shepherd on September 20th from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM with the funeral to follow at 3:00 PM and a late lunch served after. Pastor Kemp Jones will officiate. Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

Paige's family, in lieu of flowers and gifts, requests that donations be made to: The Paige Lynn Bootz Scholarship Fund
Or via website at: www.youcaring.com/PaigeLynnBootzScholarshipFund



Thank you to family, friends, Wausau East High School Staff, Hewitt Texas Elementary School Staff, Marathon County Sheriff's Dept. and all those who have offered support.