Patricia Ann (Geurts) Romenesko

Patricia Ann (Geurts) Romenesko passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025.  As a deeply religious woman, it was only fitting that she would go to her eternal rest on a Marian feast day, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

She was born on January 24, 1932, in Freedom, WI to Joe and Verna Geurts. Pat is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Gerald Leonard Romenesko.  Dad took care of Mom in their home until the last few days of her life and she always sought her comfort in him as the dementia robbed her of so many memories. Her constant was Gerry, her high school sweetheart, whom she wed on September 11, 1951.

Together Mom and Dad raised 4 children, all who survive her.  Their eldest, Rick (Franki) Romenesko, Maripat (James) Fitzgerald, Jeff (Jean) Romenesko and Laurie (Tim) Douglas, They have 9 grandchildren, Rick (Beth) Romenesko, Michael (Callie) Romenesko, Nicholas (Rachel) Romenesko, Joe (Brian Wilson) Fitzgerald, Katie (Ben) Hedquist, Ben (Kate) Romenesko, Ross (Kasey) Romenesko, Alexandra (Brian) Phelps and Abby Douglas. In addition they have 10 great grandchildren, David and Wally Romenesko, Max and Frankie Romenesko, Fiona, Victoria, and Elise Romenesko, Isla Hedquist, Emma Romenesko, and Brooke and MacKenzie Romenesko.

Pat is also survived by her sister, Betty (Geurts) Wilke and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clyde and Muggs Romenesko and sister-in-law Barbara (Buller) Romenesko. Pat is further survived by many nieces and nephews, and great and grand nieces and nephews. She was an integral part of a huge and loving family.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Verna (Van Rixel) Geurts, brother Nic and her sister Del (Geurts) Evers and her parents-in-law Walter and Mabel (Newhouse) Romenesko. She was also preceded in death by the following sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws: Ray (La Verne), Ken (Rose), Orv (Issy), Bob (Eunice) Merle (Rosemary), Vernon (Cleo) Romenesko, Arlene (Simon) Vosters, Ray Evers, Ruth Geurts and Paul Wilke.

Pat was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She believed it was her vocation and put her whole heart and soul into her work.  This means she was a nurse, teacher, guidance counselor, spiritual director, professional decorator, chef, baker, taxi driver, laundress, tailor and cheerleader.  She is a Hall of Fame contender in all of those categories.

We credit Mom and Dad with creating a strong family which has led to close relationships through the generations.  At their cottage on Moshawquit Lake, the grandkids share many happy memories, as well as the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays which Mom made incredibly special. The Halloween parties they threw annually for the grandchildren was also a highlight of the year.  The baby and going to college quilts were created by Mom with so much love and are the grandchildren's treasure.  Mom and Dad also made baby quilts for all of the great-grandchildren, with several made in advance of future great- grandchildren to ensure all could be wrapped in a blanket of love.

The family would like to especially thank Jeanette Muenchow from Home Instead, who went above the call of duty in service to our parents, to the entire 3rd floor staff at ThedaCare in Appleton who tenderly cared for not just Mom, but provided comfort to our entire family, Fr, Bill Swichtenberg who anointed Mom in the Sacrament of the Sick, the staff at St. Paul Manor and finally Michaela Norby, Mom’s hospice nurse who comforted and pampered Mom in her final days, sending her from this life with grace and dignity.

We celebrate a life well lived!

Funeral Mass for Pat will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 11:30 A.M. at St. Pius X Catholic Church (500 W. Marquette St., Appleton) with Father James Jugenheimer officiating.  Friends and family will gather at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name.

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