Deanna Schotzko

Deanna Louise (Punky) Schotzko (nee Moga)

Deanna Schotzko died on February 18, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by her children and other family members, after a six-week illness. She was 83 years old.

Deanna was born in May 1940 in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities to Raymond and Mary Moga. Her early childhood was spent on the family farm, but her family moved to Mounds View, where she graduated from high school. Following high school she attended the University of Minnesota, but left the university in the winter of 1966, after marrying Jerry Schotzko.

Deanna and Jerry had three children, and the family moved around the country-Illinois, Washington, Maine, Washington DC-before returning to the Twin Cities. Deanna re-enrolled at the University of Minnesota and graduated from the College of Home Economics with a BS in Interior Design in 1976. Following a move to Winona, she worked as an interior decorator first for JCPenney and then for Shumski's until her retirement.

Deanna continued to live in the Winona area with their children after Jerry was transferred back to the Twin Cities for his job. He returned home on weekends, while Deanna raised the family during the week, until his retirement.

Following Jerry's death in 1999, Deanna became a seasoned traveler, visiting many states around the US as well as traveling to China, Italy, Spain, Hungary, and other European countries. She also enjoyed quilting, gardening, and turkey hunting.

Deanna loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and childhood friends, and was known for her extroverted nature, her dry sense of humor, her resiliency, and her stubbornness. She loved to celebrate significant life events and talked often about the importance of being caring and kind.

Deanna is preceded in death by her husband Jerry, father Ray and mother Mary, and brother Richard. She is survived by her children, Carol (Cort) Sylvester, Paul (Michelle), Jay (Michele), grandchildren Sylvia, Ryan, Mason, Jameson and Adren, brother Bill, childhood friends Carole, Sara and Connie, and many other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Hoff Funeral Home in Lewiston, MN on April 13, 2024, from 3-6 PM, with stories and remembrances starting at 4:00. A visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in New Brighton, MN on April 15 starting at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral mass, burial, and lunch/social time.

Instead of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the YMCA of Winona in her memory. Deanna was a long-time member and loved her water aerobics classes.