John A. Patoka

John A. Patoka, born on April 15, 1940, went on to fish the biggest lake in the sky on May 31, 2021.

Surviving him is his gorgeous wife, Terry (Ellenbecker); the best of kids, son Robert J. (Bernie); daughters Susan E. Reiter and Linda M. Casey; five of the most handsome grandsons, Jesse and Jay Patoka, Joshua Maas, Jake Casey and Alex Reiter; one cute and spunky granddaughter Haley Reiter; two cute great-granddaughters Savannah and Makayla Maas; his much loved younger brother Eugene (Debbie) Patoka; as well as many more family and friends.

Preceding him in death are a son, Mark Patoka; his parents, Frank and Clara Patoka; brothers and sisters:  Delores Galloway, Betty Repinski, Violet Roberts, Frank Patoka, Pearl Drewa and Bridgett Kent.

John worked at Wisconsin Tissue Mills for many years.  A job he was proud of and made many memories and friends.

Hunting, fishing, and camping were some of his favorite things to do, spending close to 30 years in Birchwood Campground, close to so many lakes.  The stories he told and stories he was a part of are legendary – still talked about and retold around the campfires.

John was a good natured man, willing to help all, whether with a word or two of wisdom or a spare part.

We want to thank all of our family and friends for their prayers, love, and memories.  Thanks to our special neighbors for dog sitting and helping out with his dog Spud.

Per John’s wishes, there will not be a service at this time, but a gathering will be held at a later date.