Perdita “Pat” “Hon” A. Stegath, age 71, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 23, 2018 at ThedaCare Medical Center – Waupaca, WI with her family by her side.
She was born February 6, 1947 in Battle Creek, MI, daughter of Donald A. and Irene (Jarmul) Haynes. On December 14, 1973, Pat married Murray “Bill” Stegath in Waukegan, IL. Hon loved reading, traveling, watching the birds, gardening, college basketball, an occasional slot machine, but mostly spending her time with her family. She and Murray spent many winters in Florida and traveling around the country. Even when her health declined, Hon never complained. She lived for her grandkids, and always had a sarcastic comment, a laugh and many words of wisdom. As a stay at home mom, Hon perfected the art of supervision, never missing an opportunity to show us her way of “doing it right.” She loved living on the Waupaca River, working in her garden or laying on her porch swing listening to the river. She was always content with just living each day for what it was.
Pat is survived by her husband, Murray “Bill” Stegath of King, WI; son, Don (Kellie) Stegath of Appleton, WI; daughter, Jolene Stegath of Menasha, WI; three grandchildren, Alex Stegath of New London, WI; Tayler Stegath of Appleton, WI, and Nathan Stegath of Appleton, WI; a sister, Peg Frieders of Mountain Home, AR; a brother, John (Trudie) Haynes of Melbourne, Australia; and her best friend of 40+ years, Donna Schellin of Iola, WI. She is also survived by three nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Irene Haynes; a son, Christopher David Stegath, and a brother-in-law, Tim Frieders.
Special thanks to the following staff at ThedaCare Medical Center: Reese O’Donnell and Kristin Martinson from the emergency room; RNs, Kayla Vandyke and Heather Lafriniere; Dr. Michelle Soto; and mostly Holly Wasrud who gave us support, a shoulder to cry on and several hugs when we needed them. We couldn’t have made it through this without you. Also, thanks to the Hospice team, who made the transition peaceful. We also want to thank Dr. Anthony Phillips for spending the last 15 years fighting right alongside our mom and doing everything to make her life as good as it could be.
You fought the good fight mom, and now it’s your time “to dance.” We are so lucky to have had the time we did with you. We love and will miss you every single day. Thank you for making us who we are. We will do our best to always make you proud. Love, Don, Jolene, Alex, Tayler and Nathan.
A Celebration of Hon’s Life will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca, WI. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Veteran’s Home in King, WI.