Oceana Bennett Puetz

Oceana “OC” Puetz, age 14, of De Pere, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 21, 2026, leaving her family, friends, and community devastated by the loss of a bright, tender‑hearted, and unforgettable soul. Affectionately known as “OC,” a nickname she adopted that stood for “Original Creator,” was a nod to her artistic talents, her ahead‑of‑the‑curve authenticity, and the way she always stayed true to herself. She embodied creativity in everything she touched. Born October 3, 2011, OC proudly graduated from 8th grade just three weeks earlier. She had been a student in the De Pere School District her entire life.

OC lived with a rare blend of creativity, humor, sensitivity, and fierce authenticity. She was an artistic, animal‑loving, leg‑warmer‑wearing, stuffed animal collecting, rummage‑sale treasure hunter with a style entirely her own. She believed choker necklaces, gloves and masks went with absolutely everything; and she wore them with a confidence and sincerity that made the look unmistakably hers. She adored Star Wars, Baby Yoda, Spider‑Man, Pokémon Legos, Dragons, and Anime. She was a devoted Minecraft, Fortnite and Roblox player. Her imagination was boundless and her emotions big and beautiful. Her smile was wide, bright, contagious and could shift the energy of an entire room. And in true OC fashion, she used a double thumbs‑up as her universal sign for almost anything she was feeling — excitement, pride, silliness, or simply “I’m okay.”

OC shared a deep and special bond with her 16‑year‑old big brother, Vander, who protected her to the very end. Their shared love of Star Wars, dinosaurs, board games, archery, and quiet moments together created a connection that was as steady as it was tender.

She is survived by her parents, Benjamin and Kadia Puetz; her brother, Vander; her grandparents, John and Kathleen Puetz, David Seebart, and Laurie (Conny) Jakoboski, Uncles Joshua Puetz, Benjamin Seebart, Peter Seebart and their families. She was also surrounded with love by her cat Baby Paul and many special friends of the family who cherished her deeply and loved her with their whole hearts.

OC was preceded in death by her cats Oscar, Suki and her favorite beta fish Georgie.

OC’s presence will continue to be felt in the bright colors she loved, in sunsets that paint the sky the way she painted her canvases, in half‑opened bottles of paint and half‑used pencils and markers left mid‑creation, in the missing sips from our 7 Brew cups, and in countless tiny reminders of her beautiful, messy, vibrant spirit. Fly high, Sweetie Pea, and watch over us all. And someday, when it is 8 p.m. in Green Bay, you will have to let us know what time it is in Heaven. We all love you, Oceana.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks for the compassion, generosity, and love offered during this devastating time. OC’s light will continue to shine in the memories of all who loved her.

“Sometimes life is hard, but we must find the light in the dark” – OC

Family and friends may gather at Cotter Funeral Home (860 N Webster Ave. De Pere, WI 54115) on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm with a service to follow. Please dress causal and we encourage you to wear your favorite hooded sweatshirt to honor OC.