Patricia “Patsy” Ann Wildt, 74, of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024, at St. Croix Regional Medical Center in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, with her loving family at her side.
Patricia was born on March 9, 1950, in St Cloud, Minnesota, the daughter of Merton and Dorthy (Bacon) Jacobson. She grew up in Wahpeton, North Dakota, before her family relocated to Anoka, Minnesota. She married James on June 15, 1974, in Amery, and three children were born. Patsy pursued the field of education at St. Cloud State University. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to teaching elementary students at Polk County Special Education School in Balsam Lake. Teaching was not just a job for Patsy; it was her true passion. Even after retiring, for 17 years she continued to contribute to the local schools through substitute teaching.
Together with her husband Jim, Patsy actively participated in various community activities, such as the Amery Jaycees, Faith Lutheran Church, and the Girl and Boy Scouts. They built a vibrant community through their involvement in these organizations. Patsy was well-known for her thoughtfulness; she always remembered birthdays and anniversaries with cards. She had a love for giving gifts, and was generous with her homemade cookies, spreading joy to those around her.
Patsy enjoyed playing Scrabble, jigsaw puzzles, tending to her garden, and decorating her home for all the holidays. She will be remembered and missed for her easy laugh and consistent kindness.
Patsy leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Ryan Wildt of Balsam Lake, Erin (Jordan) Everhart of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Kari (Luke) Westman of LaVernia, Texas; grandchildren, Hannah, Thomas and Samuel Westman; brothers, Larry (Terri) Jacobson of Maple Grove, Minnesota, and Ken (Mary) Jacobson of Andover, Minnesota; and nieces, nephew, cousins and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, James Wildt.
The funeral service for Patsy will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake on Wednesday, May 22, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Peter Ruggles officiating. Visitation will be held at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, and then again at the church one hour prior to the funeral.
The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with the arrangements.
