WATERLOO - A well-known Waterloo entrepreneur and staunch supporter of local hockey and baseball teams has died.

Karen Wente, owner of Karen's Print Rite, passed away Friday of natural causes. Wente, a wife and mother, was 52.

Members of the Waterloo Black Hawks community honored Wente with a moment of silence at Saturday night's game, said Doug Miller, general manager of business operations for the hockey team.

Wente was a season ticket holder and served as past president and an officer of the Booster Club, Miller said. She and her husband, Bill, have housed players since 1994 and Wente also coordinated lodging for other Black Hawks.

But the Waterloo woman was so much more than that to the coaches, players and fans who knew her, Miller said. He views Wente as part of the Black Hawks family.

"She was part of our team," Miller said. "She was a Black Hawk."

Head coach P.K. O'Handley said Wente's commitment to players and to the team was unmatched. He added that her husband and daughters are dealing with the biggest loss of all.

"She'll be missed," O'Handley said. "She was a good friend and a good supporter and a friend of many."

Wente also supported the Waterloo Bucks. The Wentes were honored by the organization in 2006 for their roll as house parents for Bucks players.

Wente also owned and operated a successful printing business, Karen's Print Rite, which she launched in 1983. She later opened up Pro Sign, a subsidiary specializing in business signs, run by her husband.

In a 2006 Courier article, Wente talked about the joys and struggles of being a small independent business owner.

"It's very difficult being a small independent business owner … You're responsible for everything," Wente said. "I didn't have any formal training. Being an independent business owner, I don't have a franchise, I don't have anyone to turn to, so I just have to, as my employees call it, fly by the seat of my pants. But I believe in treating people right and it's always come back to reward me. I like it. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I attribute my success to my staff and my not being afraid to work hard."

Miller said Wente took pride in a job well done. She was also a kind and loving person.

"She had such a kind and caring heart for everybody," Miller said. "She truly loved the Black Hawks and we loved her."

Services for Wente are pending, with arrangements being handled by Locke Funeral Home.

Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.