Patrice Wilkie

Patrice K. Wilkie, who was affectionately known as Pat or Patty, passed away on Tuesday, February 27. Surrounded by family at home, she succumbed to a short battle with brain cancer. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Gloria Eisold, her younger brother Jim Eisold, and her niece Megan Eisold.

She is survived by her husband Mark Wilkie; their children, Heather (Kyle) Eslinger and Dustin (Ciara) Wilkie; grandchildren Peyton Eslinger and Layla Wilkie; and her siblings Sharon Eisold, Karen (Gary) Barneson, Connie Sironen, Scott (Barb) Eisold, and Mike (Jackie) Eisold; along with many nieces and nephews.

Pat was born on April 26, 1954, in Eau Claire, WI. Although she was quiet in her younger years, she learned to make her own fun as one of seven siblings. She graduated from North High School in 1972 and lived in Eau Claire her entire life.

Pat and Mark met as teenagers and were married on July 26, 1975. They enjoyed going out dancing and seeing local bands before having children. She loved the "moldy oldies," a joke often told about the slower-paced melodies from the '60s. Holiday meals were a sight and flavor to behold. Her Christmas raspberry dessert was never a disappointment and a favorite by many.

Her backyard flower gardens were the envy of the neighborhood and straight out of a floral magazine.

After 39 years of service, Patrice retired from AT&T (Wisconsin Bell) as a telephone operator (formerly known as cord-board). She also worked with her sister Sharon and was a proud member of the Communication Workers of America Union.

She was an outstanding wife, mother, and grandma who made it look effortless. When her children were young, they loved to dance with her to Bruce Springsteen on the record player, and even as they got older at their weddings. Her grandchildren were one of her greatest joys. So many laughs and giggles, sometimes until their sides hurt. These memories will last much longer than a lifetime and will be carried on by everyone she showered with kindness and her beloved family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 9 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Parkway at 12 p.m. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at cremationsociety-wi.com.