Patricia Wenzel

PORTAGE – Patricia Wenzel, age 78, of Portage, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Pat was born on November 9, 1946, in Belvidere, IL, the daughter of Henry and Dolores Waalewyn.

Pat married the love of her life and high school sweetheart. Together they raised their three children. Pat enjoyed children so much, she opened and ran Kiddie Korral Day Care Center for 39 years. She was instrumental in shaping the early years of over 100 children in the Portage area.

Pat enjoyed reading, cross-stitch, knitting, and cooking. Pat and John loved to camp and travel together.

Pat is survived by her loving husband, John; daughter Andrea (Walter), Endeavor; Phillip (Jane), Portage; and Jason (Jill), Brandon. Pat enjoyed her six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She is also survived by a sister, Mary Fish, of California; and brother Larry Waalewyn, of Florida.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 11:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home (www.pmmfh.com), in Portage. A luncheon will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Dino’s Restaurant and Lounge.

Contributions in memory of Pat may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A special thank you to the nurses and doctors at St. Mary’s and Agrace Hospice for their excellent care.