Patricia (Patt) Jean Reitsma, 84, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, at Ascension All Saints Hospital. Born in Racine on September 23, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (Nee: Coon) Menefee Sr.
Patt graduated from Park High School in 1952. She married John C. Reitsma on April 20, 1957. Together, they raised two daughters, Dani and Mari. Patt worked as an executive secretary for Racine Hydraulics/Dana Corporation for over 15 years, before joining S.C. Johnson as a secretary for the remainder of her career.
One of Patt’s main passions was music. She sang for weddings and funerals and also for the S.C. Johnson Chorus, Lighthouse Singers, and Cardiac Capers. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 65 years, and volunteered her services throughout that time, including singing in the church choir.
Surviving are her husband of 61 years, John; daughters, Dani Reitsma of Racine, Mari (Donald) Chevako of Milwaukee; 6 grandchildren, Isaac (Abby Ristow) , Jordan, Lukas, and Nathan Chevako, Zoë and Tieg Maryarski; siblings, Judy Wenscott and David Menefee; in-laws, Alice Menefee and Barbara Reitsma; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas, and in-laws, Gail Menefee, Dean Wenscott, Richard Reitsma, Effie Reitsma, and Ronald Reitsma (recently passed October 21, 2018).
Patt’s memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church located at 716 College Avenue. Reverend Jenny Gleichauf will be officiating. Friends and relatives may meet with the family from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Presbyterian Church have been suggested. Private interment will be held at a later date at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all those who provided Patt’s care at Ascension All Saints Hospital including the Emergency Room staff, the third floor ICU nurses, the Comfort Care staff, Dr. Ansani, Dr. Owen, and Dr. Pagano.