Pat Valk

Pat Valk, 85 of Stanley, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home, with her family by her side under the care of Mayo Hospice on February 27. Born Patricia Mae Swatzina on November 6, 1939 on the family farm in the Town of Edson to the late Joseph and Katherine (Konsella) Swatzina, she grew up there until the family moved to Stanley to run a local Tavern called First & Last Chance.

Pat graduated Stanley High School in 1957. She was crowned the very first Miss Stanley. Pat married Robert A. Valk in 1957 and they raised their five children.

Pat was always involved in the community. She ran Pat's Jewelry & Gift Shop for a time; taught swimming lessons for many, many years; and was part of the "welcome wagon" for several years. Pat loved to quilt leaving her children and grandchildren with beautiful quilts to cherish.

She also was an avid card player and enjoyed her time in the Stanley Red Hatters group. Pat followed her children's sports and school activities and that carried over to her and Bob going to their grandchildren's events as well. Pat and Bob loved their weekend time fishing and spending time at the lake with their family and friends.

She is survived by her two daughters, Mary (Mark) Miller of Stanley and Tricia (Dennis) Klatt of Bangor, WI; her two sons, Bruce (Carol) Valk of Appleton, WI and Barry (Kristine) Valk of Onalaska, WI; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. Pat is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob (2023); her son, Timothy; and her sister, Joan Smoczyk.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 7 at the Plombon Funeral Home with Randy Vandeloo officiating. Inurnment will follow in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery-Stanley. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. until time of service.

The family would like to thank the staff at LakeHouse in Chippewa Falls and Mayo Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.