Patricia "Pat" Riess, nee Endres, 80, was called home to be with our Lord on Friday, November 1, 2013.
Her husband, Jack, was by her side when she left this earthly life. Jack stated, "Lord, if you want her; take her," and to his wife he said, "If you want to go; go." With that freeing statement, Pat took her last breath. Jack was also able to be with Pat when she came into the world. Pat's grandmother used to daycare for Jack and Jack just happened to be at Pat's parent's home in Hartford, Wisconsin, on the day she was born. Jack saw her on the day of her birth and death and many years in between.
Pat befriended Jack in high school, and eventually that friendship turned into a life-long love between them. They were married on August 18, 1956. They celebrated their nuptials again for their 25th and 50th Wedding Anniversaries. Pat had suffered with a stroke in March of 2006, but worked hard at rehabilitation in order to partake in another wedding ceremony and reception in celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. The love of her family, and faith in the Lord assisted her belief that anything was possible.
Pat was the mother of Jeanine (Mike) Hautzinger, Joanne (Tom) Zmuda, Jayne (Jason) Endarries, and Jack (Laura) Riess. She was the grandmother to David (Tiffany) Zmuda, Morgan and Maximus Endarries, Brennen Hautzinger, and Shelby and Nathan Riess. Pat was sister to Franklyn (Patricia) Endres.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Alice (nee Feutz) Endres.
Pat graduated from Hartford High School and took secretarial courses. She worked for Southside and Lincoln Schools in Hartford, and then as a Teacher's Aide in West Bend working with Special Education students at Decorah School and West Bend West High School. Pat was "A Child's Dream Come True," according to her husband. She loved teaching and working with children, and they were drawn to her love and respect of them.
Pat was a Past Honored Queen of Job's Daughters in Hartford, WI, and was an Eastern Star Member. She was greatly involved in serving and worshiping at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Her favorite hobbies throughout her life included being with her family, traveling, camping, knitting, dancing, playing cards, and reading.
Pat was a loving and devoted wife, an extraordinary mother, a beloved servant of God, and a blessing to all that encountered her.
Visitation will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, 140 N. 7th Ave., West Bend, WI on Thursday, November 7th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. Entombment will take place at Washington County Memorial Park, 3358 Paradise Dr., West Bend, on Friday, November 8th at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations going to the Alzheimer's Association in Patricia Riess' name.
Our family has had such amazing support from many, and we appreciate each and every one of you. Special thanks to Janet Marien, Hospice Advantage, and Betty's Harbor at The Lighthouse of West Bend. Your work is very special and valuable!