Patricia Sazama

Patricia “Pat” L. Sazama, age 81, of Colby, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at the Colby Retirement Community under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Colby. Father Joseph Redfern presided. Interment followed at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. A visitation was held from 4 until 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Tuesday. Family and friends unable to attend in person could watch the service live on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website.

Pat was born on May 19, 1940, the daughter of Walter and Elda (Schilling) McHugh in Wausau. She graduated from Mosinee High School. On August 30, 1958, Pat was united in marriage to Leon Sazama in Halder.

Pat and Leon owned Leon and Pat’s Bar in the Town of Frankfort for 10 years. She also worked for Marathon Electric and retired from the Milan Cheese Factory (which became Kraft, WI Dairies and then Foremost).

Mom liked to go to garage sales, read, knit, sew and watch her favorite TV shows. She especially loved and treasured each and every one of her grandchildren and had a special bond with each one. She was affectionately referred to as “Grandma Pat.” Mom also took pride in her efforts to keep Dad in line.

Pat is survived by her husband of 63 years, Leon; four children: Darnell (Doreen) Sazama of Athens, Darrell (Lori) Sazama of Stratford, Darla (Mark) Viegut of Colby and Dorine (Mike) Geiger of Dorchester; 12 grandchildren: Eric (Jess) Sazama, Sara (Craig) Yessa, Katelyn (Ben) Martyn, Michael (Terese) Sazama and Riley Kilty, Keenen Kilty, Brooke (Frank) Peoples, Tyler (Kaylee) Viegut, KyLeon Viegut, Brenna Geiger, Parker Geiger and Pierce Geiger and nine greatgrandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings: Charlotte (Leonard) Maly of Mosinee, Gerald (Sue) McHugh of Stratford and Richard (Patty) McHugh of Fla.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Trent Geiger; two brothersin- law: Sylvester “Pete” Sazama, James “Bud” Sazama; sister-in-law, Marie Umnus and her fatherin- law and mother-in-law, John and Ida Sazama.

A special thank you to Jess Klement and Tamara Schmitt for their dedication and care to Pat these last four years. The family would also like to thank St. Croix Hospice, especially Karissa and Rhonda for their compassionate care and Samantha and the staff at the Colby Retirement Community. The care and attention she received will never be forgotten.

“A limb has fallen from the family tree. I hear a voice that whispers, ‘Grieve not for me’ Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs The good I lived while I was strong Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you Keep on smiling, the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest Remembering all…how I was truly blessed Continue traditions, no matter how small Go on with your lives, don’t stare at the wall I miss you all dearly so keep up your chin Until that fine day we’re together again.” Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

Paid obituary 112669