Louise C. Patterson

Louise Patterson, age 87 of Appleton, passed at her home on September 3, 2024. Louise was born January 9, 1937, in Madison, daughter of the late Louis and Catherine (Barrett) Rank. She was raised by her mother and her step-father Stanley Nelson, since Louis died at a very young age. Louise attended Central High School in Madison. She met her true love, Harold Patterson while working at a Madison Café. Pat worked across the street at a service station and came for lunch often, and soon they became Mr. and Mrs. Harold Patterson September 24, 1955.

Over the course of their marriage Louise worked with Pat at their restaurant in Marshall, known as Patterson’s Café. She also worked in various different restaurants, raised her family, sold make-up and clothing for ladies, volunteered wherever needed, and worked as an in-home caregiver. The Patterson home was warm, friendly, and where everyone was welcome. A farewell hug from Louise was always a must.

Louise was loving and compassionate beyond words, had a great sense of humor, loved to play cards, enjoyed travel, and had a sense of adventure - yet she could be stubborn and sassy. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. She is loved and will be missed by all who knew her. 

She is survived by six children: Harold Patterson, Jr., Debra Gaulke, Brenda (John) Slotten, Kenneth Patterson, Steven (Shelly) Patterson, Sr., Stephanie Marks, and a step-son Doug Jacobson. There are seventeen grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; her brother: Stanley “Sandy” Nelson and two sisters-in-law: Betty Timm and Kay Patterson.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, her husband Harold “Pat” Patterson, Sr., a granddaughter Lacey Jo Marks, her-in-laws Earl and Gladys Patterson, Sr., her son-in-law John Gaulke and brothers-in-law Earl (Rosemary), Richard (Ruth Ann), Robert (Joey), and Gerald Patterson.

A funeral service for Louise will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri County Chapel, located at 1592 Oneida Street in Fox Crossing. Pastor John Slotten will officiate. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for the Cure Alzheimer's Fund by clicking here:  Cure Alzheimer's