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BORN
1974
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Patricia Willrett Obituary
In Loving Memory
Patricia "Patty" Willrett
April 14, 1974 - February 24, 2020
VISITATION
Friday, February 28, 2020
5:00 - 8:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Ruthven, Iowa.
Patricia Ann Willrett, daughter of David and Barbara (Miller) Buchholz, was born April 14, 1974 in Plattsburgh, New York. Patty attended Canton High School in Canton, South Dakota, graduating in 1992. Following high school graduation Patty continued her education at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, completing her Bachelors Degree in Education in 1996. Patty then accepted a position at Johnson Elementary School in Spencer where she taught Kindergarten for fifteen years until she was forced to quit due to ALS.
On July 21, 2001, Patty was united in marriage to Gary Willrett at the Lost Island Chapel on Lost Island Lake near Ruthven, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Bethany Summer and Trace Seger.
Patty loved teaching and was especially proud to be a Kindergarten teacher. She enjoyed spending time with each of her students and after having her own children she treasured all of the time she could be with them. Patty and Gary both enjoyed music and traveled to see live shows.
Patty passed away Monday, February 24, 2020 at the Ruthven Community Care Center, from complications of ALS, at the age of 45. She is survived by her husband, Gary and children, Bethany and Trace of Ruthven, Iowa; her parents, David and Barbara Buchholz of Peterson, Minnesota; her sister, Erin (Brad) Petersen of Roseville, Minnesota; two nephews, Ryan and Tyler Petersen; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wendell and Sharon Willrett of Ruthven, formerly of Algona, Iowa.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Willrett
Greg
June 18, 2021
I’m sorry for your loss. 1974 1992 A great time to grow up. Thank you for being a teacher!
Terry Mugge
March 10, 2020
Patty and I worked at Johnson when she first became a kindergarten teacher. She was so much fun, and when she got married she was such a happy person, when she got her diagnosis she was positive and so strong. She was a role model to her students, a wonderful mother and a women with a kind heart.
Monica Izer
March 2, 2020
My daughter Sarah Russell had Mrs.Willrett for her Kindergarten teacher. She was a great teacher, she really enjoyed teaching. I remember her Collection of Bees. She will always be remembered. She had a Heart of Gold . R.I.P. Mrs. Willrett. I am sending prayers to the family and friends.
Jay Schwartz
February 29, 2020
Patty is and will always be an inspiration to the lives she touched. My greatest sympathy to her family. God Bless.
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Sarah Goff
February 28, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Patty was one of a kind; caring, funny, loyal, inspiring, life changing, and one of my favorite people. I hold your family up in prayer.
Sheila (
February 28, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jennifer Lloyd
February 28, 2020
I am so deeply sorry, My 14 year old had her for a teacher the year she had to quit working. She will be deeply missed.
Darlene Hankey
February 27, 2020
Gary, Trace and Bethany - I am so sorry for your great loss. She was a beautiful lady. I was employed at Zimmerman Family Dental.
Ed and Susan Umscheid
February 27, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Alice Beck
February 26, 2020
Patty was my nephew teacher. She was a great person. Glad I got to know her.
Loretta Mickey
February 26, 2020
Only got to be around Patty a few times. Would have loved to get to know her better. Loving Mom who adored her children and Garry. Their time with her was way to short but they are left with some very special memories.
Tammy Freeman
February 25, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Tammy and Larry Freeman
Jeree Bec
February 25, 2020
To the family of Patty
Patty was my sons Kindergarten teacher. She was awesome. She had so much love for the little kids. My son and I got a close relationship with Patty. She will be missed my lots. R.I.P my friend Patty. Jeree & Kolten Beck Wikström Alice Beck Dori Beck Hatfield
Susan Studer
February 25, 2020
My daughter, Veronica, had Patti for her very last year of teaching. When I told her of Patti's passing she stated that she had loved having her as a teacher and that she was such a great teacher!! Patti was a beautiful lady with a beautiful soul and she will be missed immensely. Prayers for her husband and children!!!!
Julie Nemmers
February 25, 2020
Gary, Bethany and Trace-My deepest sympathy. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. You have a beautiful Angel watching over all of you.
Emily Scott-Hendron
February 25, 2020
Hi Gary,
Sincerest condolenses to you and your family. Everytime you spoke of Patty, all that I ever head was nothing but love and pride for this incredible woman, that you loved so deeply.
Sandy Hart
February 24, 2020
Patty was such a bright, optimistic person in spite of her years of difficult struggles with ALS. She leaves behind beautiful memories
My deepest sympathy to her family...
Maureen/ Joel Horsley
February 24, 2020
Deepest sympathy to whole family,
Prayers, Maureen n Joel Horsley
Becky Robinson
February 24, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person and best friend!! You were an incredibly warrior who was always able to see the bright side of things! Will love you and miss you always and always!
Diane Salton
February 24, 2020
Gary, Bethany, and Trace, I can't imagine your pain. Patty was my favorite friend. She was so kind, funny, creative, and patient. Such fond memories!!! I believe she is now running free and not suffering anymore! Love, Diane
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Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Ruthven1010 Merrill St, Ruthven, IA 51358