WATERMAN, Denise A., age 48

Died: Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

Memorial Service:  4:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at the Plaza Hotel and Convention Center (1202 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI)

Visitation: from 2:00 p.m. until time of service on Tuesday

Memorial contributions can be sent to the Denise Waterman Fund managed by Marine Credit Union which will benefit: Bobs House for Dogs and the local chapter of the Humane Association

Denise Andrea Waterman, 48, of Eau Claire, WI passed away on April 30th, 2014 at Sacred Heart Hospital after a tough battle with cancer.

Waterman was born in Beloit, WI on September 20, 1965. She attended high school in Wisconsin Dells but really considered Madison, Wisconsin her hometown. This is where she attended UW Madison and earned her Bachelors Degree in Art and then attended MATC (Madison Area Technical College) where she earned her degree in Fire Science/Paramedic. She also spent time working at the UW Hospital while living there.

After school, Waterman found passion in a 16-year career with the City of Eau Claire Fire Department, where she was working until her line-of-duty death occurred. She enjoyed helping people in their time of need, both as a paramedic and an engineer in fighting fires. She leaves behind many "brothers" and "sisters" of IAFF Local 487, her extended family away from home. There were also many friendships forged from this family, other adjacent Municipalities, and the medical facilities that they work with.

Aside from work, Denise also continued to use her talents as an Artist.  Her abstract paintings, known for their vibrant color and textures, could be viewed in local entertainment venues. She also donated paintings to the AIDS benefit auction. 

Much of Denise's time at home was spent with her critters. She absolutely loved riding and training the horses.  She leaves behind Ghost, Junior and Ranger, her three equine buddies.  In addition, blue heeler dogs could always be found ambling behind her. She was preceded in death by a special friend in Batgirl, and also leaves behind Smokey and Smudge.

Immediate family survivors include husband Greg, and sister, Michelle. There are also many in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces and extremely close friends who will miss Denise.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl J. Waterman, Jr. and Barbara A. Garrigan.