Patricia A. Nowack

Patricia Alice Nowack, of Marathon City, passed away on December 31, 2025.

She was born the daughter of her beloved parents William and Dorothy Lang. Pat graduated from Marathon High School in 1960. In 1961, she married Richard E. Nowack, and they raised 4 children: Sandy, of Madison; Ricky (Janis), of Stevens Point; Cheryl, of Eagan, MN; and Jody (Kelly Thomsen), of Wausau. They divorced in 1986.

When she was a child and money was scarce, “Patsy’s” father proudly bought her a “piano accordion”, which kicked off a lifetime love of country music. Pat had a beautiful voice and if there was a guitar player around she loved performing. She sang everywhere she went.

Pat was courageous and artistic, part wonder woman and part Lucille Ball. It seemed there was nothing she could not do well when she set her mind to it. She was a fabulous gardener and cook, and her dill pickles are legendary. Even while camping, the campsite was raked and her table adorned with a tablecloth, doily, cookie jar, and, often, a big bouquet of lilacs. She was a distinguished employee of American Family Insurance, and was always proud that she strove to treat people fairly.

As a younger woman she and her sister Jeannie enjoyed their Saturday trips to Wausau and just about everything else they did together. Summer camping trips, often with Herb and Shirley Lang, were also highlights.

She valued her children more than anything and often cared for the elderly and children who were not her own. Ultimately, she found Benji, her little white dog, who would be her sidekick for 19 years. Late in life she obsessively did word search puzzles, and she developed a passion for politics.

Pat is survived by her children; granddaughters, April (Chris) Ploenzke and Ashley (Austin) Travis; great-grandsons Logan and Parker Ploenzke; soon-to-be Great-Granddaughter Travis; her sister, Jeannie (Dale) Sauter; and sisters-in-law Shirley Lang, Sandy Lang and Janice Lang, along with many loving nieces and nephews. Her ex-husband Richard (Bernelle) Nowack also survives.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Herbert, Laverne, Wayne, David, Robert and Gary Lang; and sisters Sylvia Payne and Vivian (Howard) Jeske. She also lost her dear friend Marjean (Jim) Nowack.

The family wishes to thank the Marathon Fire Department, who saved Pat’s life almost 10 years ago. Thanks also to David Martin and the other volunteer drivers who helped get Pat to medical appointments. The family also wishes to recognize the staff at Wood Aven Health and Rehabilitation and St Croix Hospice.

Pat was a woman of faith. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. He guided her to great spiritual comfort through the years.  Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, town of Cassel at a later date. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Pat was well loved and will be missed by many.