Patricia "Patti" A. (O'Neil) Schultz

Patricia “Patti” Schultz, 71, Marathon, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Copperleaf Memory Care of Schofield under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  

Patti was born April 8, 1948 in Wausau to the late Robert and Dorothy (Ziegler) O’Neil.  She graduated from Wausau East High School and worked for many years performing various administrative duties at Wausau Insurance and later Dr. Meacham’s dental office in Marathon.  

On April 26, 1974, Patti married Wayne Schultz at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Wausau.  Together they enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, camping and traveling - including several trips to Mexico.   Longtime members of Grace United Church of Christ, Patti and Wayne both sang in the church choir for over 40 years and considered their fellow parishioners to be family.  

Patti’s many passions included decorating her home for every season, counted cross stitching and sewing. Most of all, Patti loved her flower gardens and her family.  She found immense joy working in her gardens, especially when grandchildren were there to “help.” Her love for flowers led to many trips to the Green Bay Botanical Garden where she spent many afternoons in the sunshine surrounded by family.   

She adored the many dogs she had throughout the years, but especially loved “Ruby”.  Even during her time in the nursing home, she treasured a stuffed animal in Ruby’s likeness who reminded her of this special pet.  

Those who knew and loved Patti will always remember her as a kind, loving and giving person.  She had a beautiful smile, memorable laugh, and a generous heart.  Many friends of Patti’s daughter, Nicole, often thought of her as a “second mom.”  

Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the young age of 60, Patti traveled a long and difficult journey with the disease.  Even in the midst of her struggles, her generous and caring nature compelled her to voluntarily enroll in a number of Alzheimer’s research studies through UW Hospitals – Madison. These studies involved time consuming tests and often painful procedures, but she persevered and helped us all move closer to a cure.  Even in her death, her care and concern for others shines through.  

Survivors include her loving husband, Wayne, her daughter, Nicole (Jason) Schubring, DePere, two grandsons, Grant and Emmett and her extended family, Todd (Jamie) Kurth and their daughters, Brianna and Morgan. 

Besides her parents, Patti was preceded in death by one brother.  

Funeral services for Patti will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Grace United Church of Christ, 535 S. Third Avenue, Wausau.  Rev. Julie Goranson will officiate.  Friends may call on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.  

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.   Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.