Patricia Lorrayne VanDeventer

Patricia Lorrayne (Grignon) VanDeventer

May 29, 1930 - December 5, 2023

Edgerton, WI. - Patricia Lorrayne (Grignon) VanDeventer, 93, of Edgerton, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Duluth, Minnesota on May 29, 1930, to John and Victoria (Berg) Grignon. In 1948, during her senior year at Denfeld High School, Pat participated as a member of the Ambassadors, where she met her future husband, and love of her life, Rodney VanDeventer. Pat and Rod were married in Duluth, December 29, 1951, and celebrated their 68th anniversary together in 2019.

Pat always placed a significant emphasis on education. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and went on to earn her master's and PhD from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Pat began her career in education as a high school English teacher in Minnesota and then in Wisconsin before transitioning to teaching special education in Madison. She was a pioneer in the field of special education, integrating students into regular classrooms and teaching practical life skills such as using public transportation and grocery shopping.

In 1972, Pat and Rod with their three children moved to a small farm in Edgerton, Wisconsin, while still working full time in Madison. They raised horses, sheep, and assorted poultry. Pat enjoyed reading, playing cards, attending theater performances, and traveling to destinations such as Luxembourg, France, New York, California, and Northern Wisconsin. As her top priority, Pat was always there for her family. She loved spending quality time with them every weekend and holiday, cooking delicious meals and sharing stories.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son-in-law, Eric Schumacher. She is survived by her daughter, Vikki VanDeventer of Middleton; sons, Michael (Penny) VanDeventer of Baraboo and Gregory (Sheryl Rucker) VanDeventer of Edgerton; grandsons, Matthew (Laura Lehnhardt) VanDeventer of Middleton, Nicholas (Brittney Gustafson) VanDeventer of Baraboo and Broden (Megan) VanDeventer of Madison; granddaughter, Alexis (Randall Whicker) VanDeventer of Edgerton; and great-grandsons, Colten and Kayden VanDeventer of Baraboo.

A joint memorial service to celebrate the lives of Pat and Rod will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Work Services or Porchlight, Inc. Pat was a proud supporter of both Madison-based organizations.

Baldwin Funeral Services

520 East St., Baraboo, WI. 53913

(608) 356-4656