Lucille S. Patoka's Obituary
Lucille Sally Patoka was peacefully released into her Lord’s loving arms, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Family members were near, and others had visited over recent days, enabling Lucille to serenely transition after a wonderful, full life of nearly 95 years.
Lucille was born on November 17, 1929, to Max and Rose (Wierzba) Trzebiatowski, in the town of Amherst. She was the third child, and first girl, in a family of 11 children. Lucille attended local schools until the eighth grade, then did her part in contributing to the chores that a large, farm family required. As a young woman Lucille began dating her next-door neighbor, Raymond Patoka, and thus began their seven-decade love story.
Lucille and Ray were married on September 9, 1950. They settled in Milwaukee, where Ray joined Lucille and their newborn son Ron, after serving in the military for two years immediately after their wedding. Lucille and Ray stayed in Milwaukee and raised their growing family for 13 years before moving back to Amherst for most of their married life, and settling in the Stevens Point area in 2018.
Lucille’s most important and rewarding job was mother, but she also had a tremendous work ethic and was a valued employee at Multi-Pak Corp and Basic American Foods/Sunspiced, Inc. until her retirement. Lucille wasn’t one to sit still so she spent the next number of years as a seasonal employee at McCains and Ore-Ida until she finally decided it was time to relax and retire full-time.
Lucille and Ray’s beautiful union created a large, loving family. Family gatherings, activities and celebrations were Lucille’s greatest joy. She leaves behind her children and their families: Ron; Bob (Bonnie) and Chad (Hayley), Aven and Bria Patoka and Jeremy Patoka; Ruth (Gene Allen) and Corey (Becky), Seth, Randi, Nathan and Chloe Allen, Dallas and Addison Allen, and Lucas (Jewly) and Paige Allen, Kailee Fletcher and Waylon and Sofia, and Lucy Kizewski; Tom (Sandra) and Vince Patoka (Andy Ambrosius) and Aubrey Patoka; Gilbert (Cindi Borski) and Mitchell Patoka, Cameron Patoka and Brett (Brittany Helton), McCoy and Bryer Patoka; Patti (Dan Rashke) and Quinn (Ellie), Mae and “soon-to-arrive Baby Girl” Rashke and Tia Rashke. Lucille will be joining Ray, son Michael, great-granddaughter Gabriella Patoka and great-grandson Austin Allen.
In addition to her immediate family, Lucille is survived by three brothers, Myron (Arlene), Clarence (Mary Jane) and Rudy Trzebiatowski, two sisters, Arlene Wroblewski and Janet (Jim) Roska, and sister-in-law Bonita Patoka, along with many nieces, nephews and their families. Her parents, three brothers, William, Chester and Jerome Trzebiatowski, and two sisters, Lorraine Wroblewski and Nancy Trzebiatowski, preceded her in death.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 3995 Cty Rd K, Amherst. Father Jerzy Rebacz will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Burial will take place, following the service, in the church cemetery with a luncheon to follow, in the church dining room. The Jungers-Holly Funeral Home of Amherst is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lucille was a lifelong, active member of St. Mary of Mt Carmel, serving as lector and member of the Altar-Rosary Society. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, PO Box 280, Amherst, WI 54406-0280 or a charity/non-profit of your choice, in memory of Lucille.
Recently Lucille said, “I don’t know where I’m going, but there must not be room.” Her family knows. The pearly gates opened…
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