Patricia Joan Onshus

Patricia Joan Onshus, 85, of Westby, clocked out for the final time on November 9, 2026, at Norseland Nursing Home. She was born on February 6, 1941, to George and Marian (Volden) McDaniel. Patricia lived a life rich in love, family, and unwavering commitment to those she cared for.

Pat was married to her late husband, Raymond “Thor” Onshus, on February 4, 1961. She became a natural care giver at a young age as she helped take care of her father and brother. Pat became a Certified Nursing Assistant and dedicated her life to serving her community, working at Vernon Memorial Hospital, Norseland Nursing Home, Bethel Home Helping Hands, and The Old Times Assisted Living. Later, she began a new chapter of service with Vosseteig Funeral Home where she assisted with funeral services, serving lunches, and keeping the facility clean. She was an avid volunteer at church dinners and fundraisers. Her compassion was evident in every aspect of her work, where she touched the lives of countless individuals. Even during her personal stay at Norseland, she was ever the caregiver, asking the other residents if they needed anything and being ever attentive if a call light went off. She sought joy in life by making sure everyone else was taken care of.

Pat had a flair for cooking and baking. She was known for her delicious Christmas cookies, which she loved to share with family and friends. Every year, her kitchen would be filled with the sweet scents of the holiday season as she prepared trays of cookies, spreading joy to everyone around her.

Pat was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother who devoted herself to attending every cattle show, musical program, and FFA event her grandchildren participated in. Her unwavering support and encouragement made a lasting impact on their lives.

She loved being part of any conversation, no matter the topic. A natural entertainer and host, she would never say no to company or going to any event. Her door was always open.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna (Tom) Leum of Viroqua and Diane (Dennis) Hutfless of Westby; her granddaughter, Carrie Jo (Cody) Carpenter of Darlington, Wisconsin, and grandsons, Jacob Leum of Viroqua and Benjamin “Noah” (Aliana) Hutfless of Omaha, Nebraska, who were the light of her life; and her three great-grandchildren, Chloe and Cash Carpenter, and Yuki Hutfless, who brought her immense joy. Pat is also survived by her sister, Madonna (Mike) Willger of Janesville, Wisconsin, along with many loving relatives and friends.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond “Thor” Onshus; her son, Jeffrey Onshus; her parents, Marian (Pfingsten) and George McDaniel; her stepfather Bernard Pfingsten; her brother, Donovan McDaniel; sisters-in-law, Marian Olson, Irene Swiggum, Esther “Peggy” Mehlum; brothers-in-law, James Onshus and Odin “Shine” Onshus; her in-laws, Olaf and Ivy Onshus; other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service for Pat will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Carrie Anderson and Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. A prayer service will take place at 6:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be held Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Pat will be laid to rest at Our Savior’s Cemetery, Westby. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to The American Cancer Society or Our Savior’s Cemetery Association.

Pat’s family would like to thank the staff members at Norseland Nursing Home and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. Also, thank you to Donna and Diane’s husbands for their amazing support during this time.

Your shift on earth may have ended, but it’s only beginning in Heaven. Rest easy, Pat. We’ll take it from here.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Pat's family.

708 S. Main St.

Westby, WI 54667

608-634-2100