Penelope "Pennie" R. Ambuehl

Penelope R. “Pennie” Ambuehl, 65, of La Crosse, died on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. She was born on January 1, 1952 in La Crosse to Donald and Naomi (Runner) Pataska.

Pennie loved and tended to her flowers in her yard, feeding the squirrels, baking, and cooking old and new recipes for family gatherings. She had 3 cats and her late dog Gracie. She was a devoted fan of the Young and the Restless, QVC, and never missed watching a Packer or Badger game at home in front of her TV. She was content staying at home, had great taste in home decorating, and loved her flameless candles. She was kind to her neighbors giving away baked goods or inviting them over for a meal.

She was a big believer in rescuing animals that needed homes and recently was trying to find a new dog to love and rescue. She often went to feed birds at Riverside Park. Pennie always made sure there were flowers and wreaths at the cemetery for her parents, grandmother and other relatives.

Pennie graduated from Logan High School in 1970 and after working several jobs, she started a 34 year career at US Bank as a teller. After she retired, her customers were the people she missed the most with whom she built meaningful personal relationships. She was constantly praised for her high work ethic and moral standards by her co-workers and supervisors. She married Richard Ambuehl on October 22, 1994 in La Crescent.

Last year, Pennie and her two sisters, Kay and Dawn, went on a seven day cruise; the first vacation they had all taken together. While Kay and Dawn went out to see the nightlife, Pennie would be waiting up for them in their cabin no matter what time they strolled in. They were recently planning a trip to California in the spring.

Pennie is survived by her husband Rick, brothers and sisters, Jim Pataska, John (Donna) Pataska, Dick (Katherine) Pataska, Kay Prestwood, and Dawn Christianson, sister-in-law Sharon Pataska, mother-in-law Wilma Ambuehl, brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald Ambuehl, Robert (Karen) Ambuehl, Steven Ambuehl, Scott Ambuehl, Martin (Debbie) Ambuehl, Karen (Richard) Jandt, and Karla (Allen) Wood, numerous nieces and nephews, and her close friend Shirley Sach. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Lillian Runner, parents Donald and Naomi Pataska, a brother Rolland Pataska, a brother-in-law Jerry Prestwood, grandmother Thelma Stokes, father-in-law Dale Ambuehl, and sister-in-law Erin Ambuehl.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until the time of services. Memorials may be given to the family.