Patricia “Patti” A. Eckelberg, 67, of Wilton passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018, at the Serenity House, surrounded by her family.
She was born April 24, 1950, to Norbert “Ole” J. and Elizabeth “Betty” J. (Kruk) Schroeder in Sparta. She was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Patti was a member of the Royall High School graduating class of 1968. On Feb. 28, 1970, Patti was united in marriage to Jerry D. Eckelberg at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wilton. They moved to West Salem after they were married, and then in 1973, they moved back to Wilton.
Patti was a faithful and devout lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wilton. She faithfully prayed the rosary, was an active member of the PCCW, taught catechism for several years, was a Eucharistic minister, and assisted in many other roles.
Throughout the years, along with raising a family, Patti was an assistant at the Wilton Elementary School and worked for Westland Insurance and Farmers Town Mutual Insurance as an office manager.
Leading by example was one of Patti’s greatest attributes. She was an involved member throughout the Wilton community; along with assisting at the elementary school, she volunteered as an EMT for the Village of Wilton, served as a village trustee and was a Girl Scout leader. She also was a member of the Hanson-Stark-Leith-Paeth American Legion Post 508 Ladies Auxiliary, serving as past president and past secretary. She has given countless hours to the community that she valued so dearly.
Coming from such a large family herself, Patti had a great appreciation for family time and family gatherings. She especially enjoyed the “Sisters” trip to California. Her grandchildren were the light of her life; spending time with them fishing, running around outside, and especially this time of year, dyeing Easter Eggs, were always times the Patti forever cherished. And on a quiet summer afternoon, she could be found in her gardening, tending to the flowers.
Patti had a great personality; she was quick to greet you with a smile and kind words. She was the “kill them with kindness type,” and it wouldn’t take long for her to win you over.
Always kind, always steadfast, she was a loving wife, loving mother and grandmother, shepherd of the Lord’s work and community advocate. Her presence will forever be missed by many.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry of Wilton; her children, J.D. Eckelberg of Osseo, Wis., Jennifer (Todd) Thompson of Wilton, Matthew (Aimie) Eckelberg of Marshfield, Wis.; and Patrick (Amie) Eckelberg of Wisconsin Rapids; six grandchildren, Cody, Hayden, Noah, Josie, Emma and Bailie; her siblings, Robert (Carol) of Elroy, Linda (Bill) Bauer of Spencer, Wis., Kathleen Ballwahn of Plymouth, Wis., Nancy Touchstone of Wilton, Theresa (David) LeDuc of Chippewa Falls, Wis., Timothy (Teresa) of Kendall, Shirley (Michael) Harris of Millville, Calif., Jeffrey (fiancée Tammy) of Tomah, Judy (Shawn) Handland of Holmen, Bruce of Tomah, and Stephanie (Travis) Woods of Wilton; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Reuben (Pat) Eckelberg Jr. of Tomah, Ray Eckelberg of Tomah, Ellen (Bill) Reneau of Tomah, JoAnn Eckelberg of Bangor and Duane Harmel of Janesville. She is further survived by countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
In addition to her parents and parents-in-law, Ruben and Celia Eckelberg, she is further preceded in death by two grandsons, Ike and Cooper Thompson; her brothers-in-law, Dick Ballwahn, John Eckelberg and Eugene Eckelberg; and her sisters-in-law, Helen Harmel and Catherine Eckelberg.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 504 Enderby St., Wilton. Father Jon Peter will officiate. Burial will be in church cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation at the church from 4–8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
