Patricia Ann "Pat" Bertermann

It is with deep sadness that the family of Patricia announce her passing. She entered into eternal life on Thanksgiving Day 2024, 87 years old.

She was born in Racine, Wisconsin on October 1, 1937, the daughter of the late Henry C. and Frances M. (nee: Sechan) Bertermann and sister to the late Norman H. Bertermann.

Patricia was a 1955 graduate of Racine Lutheran High School. A school that she loved and where she made many lifelong friends. Her class was very special, and they held reunions as often as possible. Immediately after graduation, she was employed at the Racine City Hall. At 17 years old, she was secretary to the City Tax Assessor. She was a wiz at shorthand and typing. It was during that time, Patricia pursued her passion for fashion and started modeling for various apparel stores. She would be seen in local newspapers and magazines. Later, Pat's career brought her to the Racine County Courthouse. Because of her experience and knowledge of the legal system, she was immediately appointed Deputy Registrar of Probate and also head clerk to Judge Jon Skow, as well as many other judges. A career that she was extremely proud of.

Pat will be missed by all who loved and knew her, but she will be profoundly missed by her only child, Dawn. My mother was my best friend. We were extremely close, and we did almost everything together. So many people would comment on how much we looked alike. I loved that. My mom was also my hero. A very strong, wise and independent woman. Growing up, I admired how she could do it all. She worked hard every day and then came home to take care of me. She also took care of her parents, never missing a Saturday to get their groceries among many other things. She was simply the best mother, and I am so lucky to be her daughter. As I got older, I moved away. We were only separated by distance. We called each other all of the time and would see each other as often as possible. We loved to shop, dine out and travel together. Our many adventures took us all over the world. You could find us at the mall, craft fairs or shopping just about anywhere. We loved to order pizza and watch our favorite funny shows. A few of our travels included Las Vegas for her 60th birthday, NYC to celebrate her 80th birthday and on Mother's Day 2019 we finally went international and stayed 8 amazing days in Paris, France. Memories that I will cherish forever. She also enjoyed the symphony, concerts, plays and other live events. A couple favorite memories include… Dancing with the Stars Live, where she hugged Maksim Chmerkovski and an Il Divo concert, where she handed a red rose to her favorite singer, Carlos Marin. Watching her face light up always brought me so much joy. In my mom’s downtime, you would find her enjoying a cup of coffee & piece(s) of pecan kringle, while listening to The Three Tenors, especially Pavarotti.

She adored her two grandchildren (Brooke & Brett) and they adored their Nana. They loved when Nana would come up to Sun Prairie and visit. Since she did not drive freeways, she would take the Badger Bus. Both grandchildren couldn't wait to go pick her up. The bus dropped her off at Ella's Deli and Ice Cream Parlor in Madison. After she got off the bus with her huge blue duffle bag, we would all enjoy an ice cream sundae &/or ride their carousel. As an extra special treat, Nana would bring vanilla and chocolate cupcakes from O&H bakery. Big smiles. While visiting, she would make us her famous German pork roast. No one could make it like she could. Other fun times with Nana included going to Chucky Cheese and watching her put in her huge pink hair rollers every night. LOL When Brooke and Brett became adults, they treasured all the time they could spend with her. She was a devoted grandmother. Always offering warmth, wisdom and support. On birthdays and holidays, she would mail them special cards, decorated with colorful stickers. She had quite the collection of cards, stickers and stamps all ready to go. It was your lucky day when you received one of her thoughtful cards in the mail. Pat had one great grandchild, Noah. Although he only met his great grandma one time, her memory will always live on through all of us.

Patricia will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, silly sense of humor and just fun to be around. She made friends everywhere she went. Even random strangers would want to talk to her. She was kind to everyone she met and many called her their best friend. Her cousin, Sandra Bradshaw, was extra special. Their relationship started in childhood as Pat babysat for Sandy and her two siblings, Kathy & Jimmy. Although they were cousins, Pat was a little older and would insist that they call her, Auntie Patti. That stayed for life. Auntie Patti would take them to the neighborhood malt shop for a single orange soda to share with 3 straws. Later in life, Sandy and Pat grew even closer. Sandy graciously hosted family birthdays and holiday parties every year. Pat was usually the first to arrive and last to leave with her tupperware containers filled with delicious leftovers. They enjoyed shopping, dining out and sharing fun/funny stories…always laughing. A true sisterhood.

Patricia is survived by her daughter, Dawn Ireland (Woodbury, MN), two grandchildren, Brooke (Scott) Mustonen (Shoreview, MN), and Brett Yoder (Sun Prairie, WI). One great grandchild, Noah Mustonen. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, cousins Robert and Ann Bertermann along with many other special relatives and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home, Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 11 am with Rev. Jack Gilbert officiating. A luncheon will follow the funeral service. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service 10-11 am. Interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life brunch will be held in Minnesota for immediate family and supportive friends at a later date.

In remembrance of Patricia's life and love, the family asks that any donations be made to St. John's Lutheran Church (Racine) where she was a lifelong member and Racine Lutheran High School. God bless you and thank you.