Emma Jeanette Patrick

Mrs. Emma J. Patrick, 89, passed away at Our House Memory Care in Chippewa Falls on Sunday, May 23, 2010.

Emma was born in Franksville to the late Harold and Emma (nee: Johnson) Nyholm on September 18, 1920, and lived in the Racine area for 86 years. She was engaged to Wallace Patrick when he went to serve during World War II. Upon his return from the war they were united in marriage two weeks later on November 16, 1945. They resided in Racine until 1978. Then they became year-'round residents at Pan Yack Park on Eagle Lake. Emma retuned to Racine when Wallace preceded her in death on November 19, 1986.

Emma was a very independent person starting at a young age. When she was 4 years old she was bound and determined to attend school with her older brothers and sisters even though she was too young to attend the first grade. Because of her early attendance in school, she started high school at the age of 12 and graduated from Washington Park High School at age 16. Emma started her career as a bookkeeper at 18 years of age and worked for Knight-Barry Abstract for 36 years. She retired in 1975.

Mrs. Patrick was a longtime member of Atonement Lutheran Church. She was active in the Woman’s Club, the Cardiac Capers and the St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary. She was also the bookkeeper of the gift shop at the hospital and an avid reader. Mrs. Patrick was a gracious lady and made many friends because she was a good listener and took interest in their lives. She also loved to try new recipes and took dinners to people that were ill.

Emma is survived by two children, Joseph (Pamela) Patrick of Silver City, New Mexico, and Kathleen (John) Wilk of Holcomb; six grandchildren, Kirstie (Tony) Misquez of Arvada, Colorado, Annelies (Marc) Brabant of Tucson, Arizona, Josh (Jacqui) Hampleman of Las Vegas, Nevada, Molly Patrick of Richmond, California, Sarah (Brad) Herrick of Madison and Mathew Wilk of Sheldon; five great-grandchildren, Levi, Lily, Finn, Eleanor and Iris; and two sisters-in-law, Gladys (Ed) Foldy of Racine and Naomi Kish of Denver, Colorado. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Harold, Charles, Richard and Clarence; and three sisters, Mabel Phelps, Elizabeth Nelson and Miriam Nyholm as a child.

Funeral services will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church on May 28, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Denise Mbise and Rev. Linda Pliska officiating. Private interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be directed to Atonement Lutheran Church or the American Heart Association.

Wilson Funeral Home
1212 Lathrop Ave., Racine  634-3361