Patricia Jean Rajek
Patricia Jean Rajek, 90, of Merrill passed away Sunday, October 31, 2021. “Pat” was born November 29, 1930 to Anton & Pearl (Montgomery) Kordick in Merrill. She grew up and attended school in the Merrill school system, graduating from Merrill Senior High School. Pat attended the University of Wisconsin – Marathon Campus where she met her future husband John H. Rajek, also of Merrill. She was a loving and devoted mother to her five children, being very involved in their education and school activities. At St. Robert’s she was a PTA member, a substitute teacher (seventh and eighth grades), and an Assistant Girl Scout Leader. She also volunteered to help with rehabilitation of special needs children. Pat worked part-time at Livingston’s Department store where she reveled in helping customers choose the latest styles and enjoyed setting up the store and window displays. She also belonged to a card club where she said she mostly got the booby prize. Pat and her Husband Jack enjoyed the beauty of nature and wildlife in northern Wisconsin and passed that love along to their children. Camping, picnicking, time in the woods, so many memories from time spent around campfires, snowshoeing, XC skiing and even piling firewood. They built strong family traditions surrounding the holidays that are still going strong today. Pat would say that her greatest achievements in life were her children. She had a unique relationship with each one, and loved them all dearly. When Patricia’s husband retired, they did some traveling around the country making a number of trips to Alaska, but mostly she and her husband, along with their children and grandchildren enjoyed life here, in Northern Wisconsin.
Pat is survived by her five children: JoAnne (Bruce Germond) Rajek of Rhinelander, John (Susan) Rajek of Eagle River, AK, Elizabeth Plautz of Rhinelander, Nancy (Joe Simons) Rajek of Oconomowoc, and Peter (Julie) Rajek of Merrill; her eight grandchildren: Peter (Jennifer), John (Erin), Anthony (Taylor), Alisha (Dan), Andrea, John, Anna (William), William; and her seven great-grandchildren: John, Anna, Emma, Everly, Estella, Alexandria and Damien. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John and one sister, Eileen Williams. A celebration of her life will be held at the Eagle’s Club in Merrill on Monday, November 8th. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 with a memorial service to follow.
The family requests memorials be given to the Merrill Historical Society and/or Merrill River Bend Trail (address: Friends of RBT, PO Box 561, Merrill, WI 54452) The family also wishes to thank the wonderful CNA’s, Activity staff, auxiliary staff, Compassus Hospice Care and Sisters at Bell Tower Residence for the loving care they gave to our mother during her stay there. Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences can be made at MidWisconsinCremationSociety.com