Patricia Claire Therkelson

Patricia Claire Therkelson (nee: Smith) passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family and pets on Sunday, October 27, 2013. Pat was born on October 25, 1934, in Racine, Wisconsin, graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1952, and was united in marriage to Art Therkelson on December 30, 1961. After retiring from J.I. Case Company, she founded and served as President and CEO of APT Computer Service; she was a founding member of AD Nursing Magazine; and served as President of Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs Racine/Kenosha Chapter for the 1990-91 organizational year. She was a devoted, passionate gardener and was the family historian who was actively tracing her family tree.

Pat’s greatest pride and joy, however, was her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and provided love, support and guidance to her beloved family. Pat will be sadly missed by her family and many friends. She is survived by her daughters Lucinda Rost of Redondo Beach, CA, Jan (Bob) Kutzner, Pamela (Mark) Williamson, and Linda (Brad) Rasmussen of Racine; eight grandchildren, Kelly Parkhill of Oak Creek, Christian (Jen Muecke) Meekma of Menomonee Falls, Rebecca (Mark) Westemeier of Commerce Township, MI, Joshua Quella of Racine, Jeremy (Odessa) Hempel of Trevor, Nathaniel (Teresa) Rasmussen of Racine, Tyson Quella, and Tonya Hempel of Racine, as well as twelve great-grandchildren. Pat is also survived by her brothers Jeff (Linda) Smith of Horseshoe Bend, AR, and Bruce (JoEllyn) Smith of Sarasota, FL, and her loving niece, nephew and other relatives. She is also survived by her cherished pets Cassie and Tigger. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Art; her parents, Gothard and Hazel Smith; a son, James Arthur Therkelson; and a son-in-law, Kevin Roeder.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, October 31, 2013, 10:30 A.M. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Avenue with Rev. Kevin Mullins O.S.A. officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at the funeral home from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. and Thursday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass at 10:30 A.M.. Private interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials to the St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Hope Safehouse, or contributions to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the doctors and the staffs of All Saints Inpatient Rehabilitation and Cardiac units, especially Nicole and Tulsi, along with the staff members of Wheaton Franciscan Hospice and Gentiva Home Health for the compassionate and loving care provided to Pat during her illness.