Deatra M. Lazarz

Deatra M. Lazarz, 76, of Jim Falls, died peacefully at home with her family by her side under the care of St. Croix Hospice, on Monday, September 29, 2025,

On April 29, 1949, Deatra was born to Walfred and Marjorie (Dunlap) Sundlin in Chippewa Falls. She graduated from Chippewa Falls High School with the class of 1967. Deatra was united in marriage to Gary Lazarz at Jim Falls United Methodist Church on August 31, 1968.

Gary and Deatra moved to the family farm in 1983, where they worked hard and passed down their love of farming and Brown Swiss cows to their children and grandchildren. Deatra especially enjoyed raising chickens, and today she has three chicken coops—sharing the bounty of fresh eggs with family and friends.

Deatra was a woman of strong faith and a devoted, long-time member of the Jim Falls Methodist Church. She was actively involved in the church’s Women’s Society and played an important role in organizing the church’s annual donut fry.

Deatra also had a passion for gardening and spent countless hours lovingly tending to her flowers and raspberry bushes. In the spring and fall, she could often be found searching for a dry patch of weeds to burn—never one to worry that the fire might get out of hand.

Deatra and Gary were part of a close-knit group of friends known as the Cabin Crew, with whom they spent many weekends playing Mexican Train Dominoes and enjoying each other's company.

Deatra loved her family deeply and will be greatly missed by her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Deatra is survived by her husband of 57 years, Gary; children, Staci Romundstad, Scott Lazarz and Sonja Roper, all of Jim Falls; grandchildren, Makayla & Mitchell Romundstad and Ashton Roper; sister-in-law, Sheila Sundlin of Jim Falls; along with other loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, John Sundlin.

The visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls. A Private Interment will be held at a later date.