Caroline Theresa Patoka

Caroline T. Patoka, age 89, “Mrs. Patoka, St. John’s School Cook”, passed away with her family by her side on December 12, 2012 at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah. On November 4, 1923, Caroline Theresa was born in Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Peter and Dora (Trzebiatowski) Konkol Sr. She was united in marriage to Stephen Patoka Sr. on February 9, 1946 at St. Mary Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Fancher, Wisconsin; he preceded her in death on March 3, 2004. Caroline was very active with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School in Menasha. For just about 40 years, she served lunch at the school for “her kids” and valued her time with her circle of lady friends for their morning coffee break. She was also involved with the church festivals and Rosary Society. She enjoyed going to the family cottages in Crandon and on the Wolf River. Caroline loved going to all the church Polka picnics in the Stevens Point area with her sister. Cooking and baking were two of her most favorite things to do and made many special Christmas cookies every year to give as gifts. Most of all Caroline will be remembered for her caring, loving, and selfless nature. She always put the needs of others before her own.

Caroline will be missed by her loving children: Linda (Larry) Patoka-Jahsman, Nick Patoka, Glenn (Cheri) Patoka, Kay Patoka, Steve Patoka Jr., her grandchildren: Kim (Cory) Bruce, Rhonda (Rob) Bruce, Keith Jahsman, Carrie Collins, Shanna (Aaron) Smith, Shawn Patoka; 14 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; her God children: Ken Bauer and Jane Maahs; two brothers: Jerome Konkol and Peter (Pat) Konkol Jr., two sisters: Elsie Bauer and Lorraine Binter; a sister-in-law, Mona Konkol; and many other family members and friends.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers: infant Robert, Hubert (Leona), and Sylvester Konkol, and; sisters-in-law: Maryann Konkol and Loretta Konkol; and two brothers-in-law: Ed Bauer and Joe Binter.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 516 De Pere Street, Menasha, with Fr. Robert Konkol officiating. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 10:00 am until the hour of the Mass at the church. Inurnment will take place in St. John Cemetery, Town of Menasha. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Theda Clark ER for their compassionate care given to Caroline and her family.