Patricia Jennifer “Pat” Denzer, age 72, of Pepin, Wisconsin, died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at her residence. Pat was born on March 14, 1952, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Vory and Mary (Macko) Jones. She was raised in Northeast Minneapolis, where she graduated from Edison High School. She met a charming young man named Steven Denzer, and the couple quickly became smitten with each other. They knew they were meant for each other and, on September 27, 1980, they were united in marriage at St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth. Pat had two children from a prior marriage, who were quickly “adopted” by Steve as they became one family.
Pat had a creative mindset and a knack for crafts. With this in mind, she opened her own boutique in Ellsworth called Creative Baskets & Gifts. She loved it. Her innovative thoughts led her to put together fun gift baskets and artificial floral designs. She grew the business to include coffee and goodies, and she loved making friends out of customers as they started their day stopping in for a latte. The family later moved to Pepin, where she once again opened a new store: The Eagle’s Nest.
Pat was all about her family and friends. She loved being surrounded by them, whether by a bonfire in the backyard or going shopping with them. Shopping to find that one special thing that could help her with her crafts or simply something she just couldn’t live without was her mission. If she couldn’t get out, no fear, as she always had the Home Shopping Network on. And, if she liked something that much, chances were good she would get a few of them, just to be certain. She enjoyed all types of flowers, both artificial and alive, as well as baking and canning.
Pat is survived by her soulmate and best friend Steve; children Victor (Renee) Jones of Ellsworth, Stephanie (Chris) Mabrey of Ohio; grandchildren Dalton (Tina), Dylan (Bri), Shawn (Kassi), Anthony (Lindsey), Carrie, Brandon (Christine), Breanna, Nick, Cody, Cassie, and Nathan (Ashley). She is preceded in death by her siblings Shirley Bahns, Irene (Dwelton) Westerberg, Bill Jones, and Jack Jones.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 3:00PM Thursday, August 15, at C3 Church, 7562 US-10, in Ellsworth, WI 54011. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at C3 on Thursday. Interment will be at a later date in the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Cemetery in Ellsworth. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family.
Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth, for more details please go to www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.
We are all saddened by the loss of my Dearest Aunt Patty! 💔 Patty and I are only a couple years different in age so growing up she was more like a sister than an Aunt to me. We spent our entire lives together ❤️ in our younger days we would drive from Mpls to Pepin to see our boyfriends, sometimes we would take this road trip 2-3 times a week. Victor was born shortly after and we would take him with us many times. My son Jonny was born and as did Vic, he became another unwilling participant in our travels. We spent many days on Lake Pepin and camped almost weekly. I’ll never forget all the fun, and all the people we met! I love ya Auntie Pat! I’m going to miss your crazy ideas….until we meet again. God Bless ✨️ 💖
Steve and family, so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing, know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My Aunt just sent me the obituary and I’m shocked. We had some good times with Pat and Steve. We were all baptized in the good ole Mississippi together. We’ve been living in Foley, AL since 2011 and have just retired and are traveling. We traveled to WI/MN. Sorry we won’t be there. But hope Steve knows we are thinking of him and always have fond memories of our crazy days together.