Patricia Grace Stueland

Patricia “Pat” Stueland, age 92, of Viroqua, passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at Bethel Home & Services in Viroqua. Patricia Grace Stueland was born on June 17, 1929, to Helmer & Goldie (Hunter) Stueland. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. Pat graduated from Viroqua High School, then went on to graduate from the Vernon County Teacher’s College. She first taught at the Purdy school, then in New Glarus, WI. Pat moved to Muskego, WI and began teaching 2nd grade. She obtained her Master’s Degree at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. Pat was passionate about teaching! She loved to mentor and be a role model for others, regardless of age and ability. Pat lived in Milwaukee for many years. While there, she worked at Curative for over 25 years and appreciated all her special friends and coworkers. This was a job that she loved dearly and held many clients close to her heart. She was also the building manager in her apartment complex, always wanting to help others and take care of their needs. Her annual camping trips to Bemidji, MN were thoroughly enjoyed, as she was able to spend time with her sister Jean and her family. When Pat retired, she left Milwaukee to return “home” to Viroqua in 2005. She was so proud to live in the house that has been standing on her family’s land for many years. She was content being surrounded by the crops and the fields; connecting with her neighbors; relaxing with her cat, Callie; being involved in many organizations through volunteer work; following the Farmer’s Almanac; staying current on the weather, seasons, time changes, the moon, and the stars. Pat enjoyed teaching piano lessons in her home, and very often you would find her out on the deck, sitting on her bench with a crossword puzzle. She absolutely loved the outdoors! She liked to go out for a drive and watch the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Pat cherished her time “down at the farm”, where she shared many detailed stories of her childhood. When Pat needed more care, she moved into Maplewood Terrace. She enjoyed the friendships made there and was so appreciative of anyone attending to her. From Maplewood, Pat transitioned to the Bethel Home where, in previous years, she was a member of the Bethel Home Auxiliary and had given so much of her time volunteering there. She took great pleasure in leading Bible Study and was committed to her daily devotions. Pat was proud of the label “prayer warrior” because she prayed every day, many times, for all her family, friends, students, neighbors, church friends, leaders, homeless, veterans, the sick, the poor, the rich & famous, and everyone in between. She had a prayer list that she kept tucked in the drawer of her bedside table. If Pat knew you or had heard of you, she prayed for you. Most of all, though, Pat loved Jesus and her family. She was active in community ministry everywhere she lived. She was a dedicated member of Bethel Lutheran Church where she helped with teaching Sunday School and leading music. Kids brought Pat so much joy, many smiles, and loud laughter. She adored teaching children about Jesus and making sure they knew how much they were loved. At Bethel, Pat was a member of the Rebecca Circle and, eventually, an honorary member of WELCA. Pat was a faithful follower of Jesus her entire life. Pat was not shy about expressing her love and admiration for her family. She was so proud of each one of them and she had a genuine interest in their lives. The enthusiasm in hearing about their accomplishments, their activities, and what they were learning about was evident in her actions and encouragement. Pat was thankful for every phone call, visit, note, meal, event, and trip. She never missed a birthday, a holiday, or making a phone call to see what everyone was doing. There was never any doubt how much she genuinely loved them. For anyone who experienced Pat, you were better for it. Remember her for her “love pats”; the quarters she gave every child she encountered; her unique laugh and quick smile; her voice that carried; her stories; her announcements that her brother-in-law, who was a Lutheran Pastor, called her “Crazy Pat”; her interest in every person; and her appreciation of others. What would be most important to her…remember that she shared love, she prayed for peace, and had a genuine desire for others to be happy, to be kind, and to love Jesus. Pat was preceded in death by her father & mother, Helmer & Goldie Stueland; her sister & brother-in-law, Jean & Rev. Jerry Aamot; her nephew, Mark Aamot; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, her best friend Betty, and dear friends Ernest and Mary from Milwaukee. Pat is survived by her brother & sister-in-law, Gary & Lois Stueland; her nieces & nephews, Karen & John Hale, Pamela Eitland, Susan Eitland, Angela & Monte Eitland-Anderson, and Kristin Martin; her great-nieces & great-nephews: Michael and Lucas Hale; Zachary, Collin, and Abigail Grace Eitland-Anderson; AnnElise & Hayden Christian, Autumn and Tristan Martin. She is also survived by cousins in Wisconsin and Iowa; other relatives; her Retired Teacher’s Group; and so many friends. Special thanks to Janice Fortney and Linda Marks for the friendship and help you have graciously given to Pat throughout the years. Pat’s family would also like to thank all who have cared for her at the Bethel Home and Maplewood Terrace. We have appreciated St. Croix Hospice for their guidance, care, and for making Pat comfortable as she anticipated seeing Jesus face-to-face. While she was held in God’s hands, she was served by yours, and we are forever grateful. Blessed be our many memories of Patricia Grace Stueland. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Bethel Lutheran Church in rural Viroqua. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church. Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua is serving Pat's family. 123 W. Decker Street Viroqua, WI 54665 608-637-2100