Vanessa Jean Frentz

Vanessa Jean Frentz, age 33, passed away on Sunday, February 9th in Santa Rosa, California.

Born in Mankato on February 28th, 1991, she was the daughter of Nick and Jill Frentz. She grew up in North Mankato surrounded by friends and family including her three younger brothers-Andrew, Derek, and Sean. Her namesake was her paternal great grandmother, Jean Thro Frentz.

Vanessa spent her younger years developing a love for loud music, friends, and acting. While at Mankato West High School she thrived in the social setting, joining numerous clubs, programs, and athletic teams. Her love of theater led her to multiple leading roles in school plays. She was nominated as a Homecoming Queen candidate her senior year, underscoring the positive impact she had on those around her. She graduated in 2009.

Vanessa's adult life revolved around her journey with sobriety. Although there were hard times, her road to recovery was defined by strength and resilience. In her possessions are multiple writings, notes, and motivational materials that cover her drive for happiness, sobriety, and a better life. She completed hours upon hours of AA meetings, step-work, therapy, and support for others. Perhaps Vanessa's greatest accomplishment in life was the number of people who she helped with their own sobriety journeys.

She graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College with a degree in Psychology in 2024. She then began a new job providing care for children in the Autism community. She checked in with her family regularly and was looked at as a beacon of hope by her brothers. She made her family proud.

Vanessa is survived by her immediate family: Nick, Jill, Andrew (Samantha), Derek (Sydney), and Sean, as well as her grandmother Ann and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her visitation will be held publicly at Northview Mortuary in North Mankato on Thursday, February 20th from 4 to 7pm. There will be a private funeral for the immediate family.