Patricia Ann "Pat" Birrenkott

1951 - 2021

Patricia "Pat" Ann Birrenkott, age 69, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully on July 24th, 2021, with her loving family by her side. Pat died with hope in her heart, as she had received the gift of life on May 3, 2021, from her kidney donor hero. Unfortunately, Pat was frail and her body was just too tired. She fought a hard battle for over 9 years on dialysis, but she lived every single day for her family. We will miss her beautiful smile, her silly personality, her amazing baked breads, homemade pizzas and other gourmet meals. But most of all, we will miss the unwavering love that she had for her family and friends. She was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren, and loved each one of her friends deeply.

Pat was born on October 2, 1951, to the late Russell and Linda Beard of Plover. She has one sibling, Douglas Beard, of Plover. Pat graduated from PJ Jacobs High School in 1969. She went on to college at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she majored in English. She met the love of her life, John Birrenkott, when she was a cashier at the south side IGA in Stevens Point, in 1970. Their love story continued for the next four years before they were married on March 23, 1974. They began their family with the birth of their son, Brandon, in 1976, their first daughter, Courtney, in 1978, and their youngest daughter, Caitlin, in 1989.

Pat left working as a Student Status Examiner from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, in 2012, due to health issues. She was a wonderful advocate for so many students, helping them meet their graduation requirements. She loved her students, and they loved her.

Family was everything to Pat. Traditions were always so very important. From the food, to the decorations, to the napkins, plates and silverware. Everything had nostalgic value to her. She's passed this wonderful trait onto her children. Pat's cooking was something that most people had the pleasure of enjoying. She would whip up a gourmet meal in no time, always had cookies in the freezer ready to bake for guests, enjoyed making homemade pizzas with the grandkids and frosting her famous cutout cookies at Christmas. She loved all things "decorating." Christmas was a time that she could really shine. Every single nook and cranny in their home had some type of holiday flare, right down to the Christmas toilet paper.

Pat was a lover of all animals, including her own dogs, Ellie Mae (a 13-year old Shih Tzu), and Daisy Mae (an 8-year old Shih Tzu/Pekingese rescue). She loved her dogs so much, and they loved her. From the post-dialysis naps on the bed with her, to sitting on her lap in her chair keeping her warm, her dogs never left her side.

Anyone that knew Pat, knew she had such a giving spirit. Everyone was always welcome to their home, during the holidays if they needed a warm meal, or on their porch for a cold drink.

Pat is survived by her husband, John Birrenkott of Plover, WI; children, Brandon (Julie) Birrenkott of Plover, WI; Courtney (Matt) Jensen of Green Bay; Caitlin (James) Courtney of Whitefish Bay, WI; grandchildren; Brock & Eli Birrenkott, William & Sawyer Jensen, and Ella Courtney. She was loved dearly by her grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother, Douglas (Debbie) Beard of Plover, WI.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents Lorinda and Russell Beard, her father-in-law, Francis Birrenkott, and her mother-in-law, Lorraine Birrenkott.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at St. Bronislava Catholic Church with Rev. Eric Mashak presiding. Visitation will be on Monday, August 2 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Boston Funeral Home with a rosary concluding at 6:45 pm. Visitation will also be held on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. Per family's request, masks are required for everyone.