Mary Patricia Milisch

Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mary “Pat” Milisch, 93, died on Friday, February 19, 2021. She was born in Milwaukee to Edward and Barbara (Gardner) Wodell on February 12, 1928. She graduated from the Cathedral of St. John’s High School and attended Milwaukee Business College. She worked at Jaeger Baking Company in the personnel department. In 1947 she married Eric Milisch who was her husband, partner and friend for 65 years. They moved to La Crosse in 1956.

Pat was the devoted, proud and caring mother of Lee Ann (Milisch) Niebuhr and sons James Milisch and Robert Milisch. She was the grandmother of Jennifer Niebuhr, Rebecca (Niebuhr) Metzger, Paul Milisch, and Gretchen (Milisch) Clemens. She was also the great grandmother to Nathan and Savannah Metzger, Lola and Deegan Clemens, and Marilyn Milisch.

In their early days of marriage, Pat and Eric used to love dancing at the Cudworth Post in Milwaukee. They especially enjoyed doing the Cha Cha. They helped organize neighborhood picnics and dance parties to the jukebox music in their basement. When they moved to La Crosse, they enjoyed fishing, waterskiing and family picnics on the Mississippi. In addition, Pat and Eric were avid member of the La Crosse curling club where they enjoyed friendly competition and happy hours. Pat enjoyed working in her flower garden, feeding the birds and squirrels, and baking tasty desserts for her family. Later in life, Pat and Eric enjoyed traveling across the country in their motor home, visiting national parks and exploring the country. Pat and Eric continued the tradition of wonderful family vacations camping at Plum Lake Wisconsin every summer with their children and grandchildren, spending time together swimming, boating, fishing and waterskiing.

Faith was a cornerstone of Pat and Eric’s family. Pat was a devout catholic and active member of the church.

Her Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Holmen at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 27, 2021. Father John Parr will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will be at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park following Mass. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com .