ZoeAnn Patraz

ZoeAnn Patraz, 86, of rural Oshkosh, passed away on March 21. ZoeAnn was born in Chippewa Falls, WI, on July 19, 1937. She attended Chippewa Falls High School. After school, she worked several jobs, including as a carhop and a short stint at the Chippewa Shoe Factory.

In 1959, she married and eventually moved to Lake Hallie, where the family purchased their first home. After having three children, she moved to a new home in Eau Claire. Eventually, her children grew up and went their separate ways.

To fill her time, she took great comfort in her love of art. She began to paint - first with acrylics and oils, but eventually settling on watercolors. She loved to paint and read all about painting techniques from her art books that she loved to read as well.

ZoeAnn also found work with Grace Edgewood in Altoona, where she loved her co-workers and clients that she helped care for. She even was asked to teach and art class there for the clients.

Eventually, it was time to retire. She once again embraced her love of art, and continued to paint her watercolors. When not painting, she took part in a weekly visit to her daughter's house on Saturdays, where she enjoyed the company of her only daughter and oldest son.

After the passing of her daughter, and ZoeAnn's own declining health, she moved to rural Oshkosh to live with her eldest son. Declining health, poor eyesight and tired hands prevented her from painting, but she still loved to read her art books.

She eventually replaced her love of art with her love of the internet. She became an avid user of her new pride and joy, her iPad. Once she learned how to navigate the internet in her late 70s, she discovered Amazon. She loved to order things almost daily, and loved getting the packages delivered. She seemed to love it almost as much as painting her watercolors.

Finally, after a quick decline in health, from which there was no hope of recovery, ZoeAnn Patraz left this world. She was preceded in death by her mother, Anna; her daughter, Wendy; and many aunts and uncles. She leaves behind two grieving sons, Ron and Mark.

Mom will be sadly missed, but forever will live in our hearts.

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.