Patricia J. Dreier

Patricia J. Dreier, 87, formerly of La Crosse and Stoddard, passed away on Sunday, December 27 at Mercy-Health Hospital, in Lake Geneva, WI after failing to recover from hip surgery. She had just relocated to Whispering Willows Assisted Living, in Elkhorn, as her prior home, Fairhaven Assisted Living in Viroqua, which she dearly loved, was forced to close.

She was born on July 1, 1933 in Cleveland, OH to Alma (Ganter) Dreier and Harvey P. Dreier.  Patty attended and graduated from East High School in Cleveland in 1952. Patty served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1963. During her time in the service she was recognized for outstanding athletic performances in tennis, volleyball, and basketball, having led several teams to championships. Patty moved to Wisconsin in 1973. She worked in the Ferryville Post Office for 8 years before transferring to the Stoddard Post Office where she worked until her retirement in 2001.

Patty continued her athletic endeavors with bowling and golf well into her retirement and on Sundays could always be found cheering on the MN Vikings. She loved to fish and contributed to many platters of panfish over the years. She had a good sense of humor, a cheerful attitude and always wore a smile. Patty was a tireless worker and could never watch someone else doing a chore without insisting to lend a hand. She continued to have that "let me help" attitude throughout her time in assisted living. Those who were blessed to cross paths with Patty at any time in her life will never forget their kind, hard-working, generous friend.

Patty is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Ann, of Northfield Center, OH and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her Wisconsin family: Toni & David Felde; Tiffany & Peter Rahn and children, Wesley & Haylee; Connie & Sharon Seymour; Laurie & Bob Pass; Kyle & Hope Pavela; and John Seymour. Her close friends: Marsha Geno, & Annette Kromberg, and Fairhaven friends & caregivers.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sisters. A special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Mercy-Health Hospital for their excellent care and loving support to Patty and family during these difficult days.

A memorial service will be planned for later this spring in the Stoddard area. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.