Karen E. Patton

Fond du Lac - Karen Elizabeth Patton, 54, of Fond du Lac, Wis., died tragically while riding her bike on a sunny Saturday morning, July 31, 2021. She was born in Wausau, Wis. on December 27, 1966, to Reuben and Germaine (Wagner) Zweck, the youngest of their seven children. Karen came from a large family, having 56 first cousins, and was #46 on the Wagner side alone. Karen was raised in Edgar, Wis., a few miles west of Wausau. She graduated from Edgar High School in 1985, joined the US Army that same year and was honorably discharged in 1988. In 1990, Karen enlisted in the US Army Reserve, and was honorably discharged in 2000. While in the Army Reserve, she met her future husband, Rick Patton. They were married in Wausau on October 6, 2001.

Karen had an extremely strong faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, worshipping at Calvary Cross Church in Fond du Lac and had a strong connection to Christ Community Church in Rothschild, Wis. She looked forward to the day when she would meet and spend eternity with Him. Karen worked at Wausau Insurance for many years, as well as several years at Custom Meats of Marathon, until she followed her dream of working with animals, receiving her Certified Veterinary Technician degree from Globe University. She worked briefly at Fond du Lac Veterinary Clinic before moving onto Companion Animal Care, where she was currently employed. She was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the DAV Auxiliary in Wausau. Karen loved being a dog mother to her dogs, Flurry and later, Willow, and through her love for her fur daughters, she was a part of Therapy Dogs International while living in Rothschild. Karen loved being out in the woods, whether it was hiking or skiing, especially in pine groves. She loved music and enjoyed playing her flute. Karen had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. She enjoyed trying out new dishes with her family and often had requests for her recipes.

Survivors include her husband, Rick; five siblings, Paula (Keith) Langenhahn, Jon (Pauline) Zweck, Margaret Zweck (George Knowles), Teresa (Gary) Starzinski, and Joe (Chris) Zweck; father-in-law, David Patton; uncles, aunts, and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Bob Zweck; mother-in-law, Lois Patton; a sister-in-law, Torie Patton; her grandparents and other extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to World Vision International (worldvision.org) and/or the Wisconsin Bike Fed (wisconsinbikefed.org).

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Community Church, N6717 Streblow Dr., in Fond du Lac. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM with Pastor Heath Perry officiating. Military Funeral Honors will be presented by the US Army and American Legion Trier-Puddy Post #75. Cremation will follow the services.

From Rick: "To my wonderful, amazing, loving wife, until I see you in heaven, Seeyoulaterloveyoubye!!!!!"

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com