Patricia A. Mathu, 85, entered into eternal life on January 24, 2024. Patricia was born March 19, 1938, in the Town of Humboldt, Brown County, WI, the eldest child of George J. and Ethel (Bertrand) Basten. She was raised on the family farm near New Franken, and it was there she first realized the love of family, the power of faith, the necessity of hard work, and the simple joys of a country childhood. She attended rural schools and Luxemburg High School, but Pat was a member of the first graduating class of Preble High School in 1956. She was an excellent student and was Preble’s first valedictorian.
Patricia married Peter Mathu on October 8, 1960, at St. Kilian Catholic Church in New Franken. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Together they raised three sons — Mark, Michael, and Brian. Pat always considered her family to be her greatest blessing and achievement. She was incredibly proud of each of her grandchildren as well.
Pat worked briefly at Sure Way grocery stores in the late 1950s and early 1960s and was a relief mail carrier in New Franken in the 1980s and 1990s. But first and foremost, Pat was an exceptional homemaker — she took care of her home and of others all her life. She cared for her dad for thirty-five years after the untimely death of her mom. She cared for her husband and was a partner in his cabinet-making business. She cared for her sons, teaching them, supporting them, and loving them. She was the best mom anyone could have.
Pat was active in her church and energetic in her faith. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Champion for almost 55 years. For decades, she was a lector at Mass, and she lived out the verses she read each week by caring for her neighbors and friends. Pat was devoted to Mary, our Blessed Mother. She prayed the Rosary regularly, and The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help was special to her.
Patricia is survived by her husband Peter; three sons and daughters-in-law, Mark (Karen), Michael (Michele), and Brian (Nadine); nine grandchildren, Virginia, Patricia, Peter, Lorraine, David, Garrett, Gabriele, Evan, and Grant; her brother, Tom Basten; her sister, Loretta O’Boyle; many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Family and friends may call at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Champion (5996 County Road K) on Sunday, January 28th. Visitation will be at the church from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue the next morning at St. Kilian Catholic Church in New Franken (2508 St. Kilian Road) on Monday, January 29th, from 9:00 to 11:00 am. (Note the change of church for the funeral.) A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Carlo Villaluz officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Kilian Cemetery, New Franken. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.