Patricia A. Thorne, of Collins, WI, passed away January 6th, 2019, after a battle with cancer. Patty was born in Merrill, WI on February 26, 1960, the youngest child of the late Clarence and Margaret Laak.
Patty grew up on a small family farm in Merrill and moved to Two Rivers in her early 20s. Later in life she moved to Kellnersville and then Collins. She spent her final weeks living with her son and his family in Denmark.
After graduating from Merrill High School, Patty entered the work force. At the age of 40 she graduated from LTC with a degree in Quality Assurance. She used that degree working in the quality
departments at Jagemann Stamping, Wisconsin Aluminum and most recently at A to Z Machine in the Fox Valley.
Patty loved spending time with her four grandchildren, especially doing crafts and baking with them. She loved being a Grandma with all her heart and soul. She would share stories and talk about her grandchildren with anyone that would listen. When not with family, she spent countless time in her gardens which were always changing to help her find that quiet and peaceful place to enjoy the sunset. She loved traveling, especially to Jamaica, and also enjoyed cruising on her Harley-Davidson Fat Boy.
She is survived by her son and daughter- in-law, Josh and Rose (Welch) Frank, her grandchildren, Margaret, Olivia, Natalie and Parker, Denmark, WI; and seven siblings Vivian Sczygelski of Merrill, Joe (Linda) Laak of Burnet, TX, Bob Laak of Merrill, Jerry (Debbie) Laak of Merrill, Mary (Arlen) Raduechel of Merrill, Dan (Jo) Laak of Coconut Creek, FL, and Sue Laak of Merrill.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Roy Laak, sister-in-law Julaine Laak, and brother-in-law Lawrence Sczygelski.
Family and friends may visit at All Saints Catholic Church, 145 St. Claude Street, Denmark, WI on Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 9:00 am until 11:00. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in the memory of Patty will be given to her grandchildren to use for their college education which was one of her final wishes. She valued education and the process of always being open to learning new things.
The family wishes to thank Green Bay Oncology and Unity Hospice for their wonderful care that they provided to our mother and grandmother. In particular we are especially thankful for Dr. Burnette, Dawn, Linda, and Ashley for their care and support.