Patricia Y. Wallace

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Patricia Yvonne Wallace, 89, Cecil, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at a local hospital. She was born July 16, 1931, in Milwaukee, daughter to the late Anton and Agnes Zganjar. She married Franklin Wallace on July 21, 1951, in Milwaukee. She started married life as a housewife, then waitressed and went to nursing school at 39 years old, receiving her LPN degree. Patricia was a nurse at Shawano Hospital and a Shawano-area nursing home for many years until she retired.

Patricia was most proud of her four children and her strong Catholic faith. Pat, just like Frank, taught their children the meaning of paying it forward, and they lived it daily. Pat was always known for walking up to a stranger in a store with money in her hand, and she would pretend by telling them they just dropped some money out of their pocket and hand it to them. She received so much joy by doing this for others.

She became the first member of the family of the month by Knights of Columbus. She was the head organist at St. Martin Catholic Church in Cecil for over 50 years and played for many, many funerals and weddings for the community, which she was very passionate about.

She enjoyed watching Fox News, going to the casino, swimming, feeding the birds outside her apartment, planting her garden of flowers and plants, and playing the organ for her husband at home, especially his favorite song, “Amazing Grace,” which she also played at his funeral a short time ago.

Patricia is survived by her children, Frank Jr. (Angie Bistoff), Cecil, John (Ann), Chicago, William (Dawn), Cape Coral, Florida, and Yvonne Rabe (Steve), Green Bay; seven grandchildren, Jeff, Ben, Roxanne, John Paul, Zach, Dana and Andrew; her first great-grandchild, Beckham; brother- and sister-in-law, Bob and Pat Wallace; brother-in-law, Clyde Ehlers; daughter-in-law, Deb Wallace; and her cat, which gave her great company.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin; sister, Dorothy Ehlers; parents; in-laws; brothers- and sisters-in-law; niece, Mary; nephews, Gary and Richine; many dear church friends; Shawano Lake friends; and many furry friends over the years.

Family and friends may visit St. Martin Catholic Church in Cecil on Monday, June 7, 2021, from 9 a.m. until the hour of Mass at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Hans Christian Borbor officiating and Deacon Todd Raether as the homilist. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be seen at https://youtu.be/G02JJoGIBCI.

Patricia left us in great peace knowing she would be meeting her Lord and reuniting with the love of her life of over 69 years, Frank. Mom, say hi to Dad; we all love you.

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