TOMAH- Patricia A. Kivimaki, age 90, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Serenity House surrounded by her family. She was born January 23, 1934, to Alexander and Mae (Kasprak) Giertych in East Chicago, Indiana. She was baptized March 4, 1934, and confirmed June 23, 1948.
She met her future husband while working at her parents’ cheese store in Tomah and he was stationed at Fort McCoy. Pat was united in marriage to Tauno Kivimaki on October 24, 1953 in Chicago Ridge, IL. Pat and Tauno spent their married life living in Illinois and Wisconsin. While living in Illinois, she worked for Nabisco, sold Tupperware and Stanley products and was a homemaker. In 1970, they moved to Tomah where they owned and operated the Rainbow Drive-In. Pat then went to work in food service at Fort McCoy and the Tomah VA Hospital.
Pat loved to cook and bake for her family and friends, she never let anyone leave her house hungry. She proudly made each of her children’s wedding cakes with the help of her husband. Pat’s family and friends will fondly remember her lamb cakes as well as other holiday favorites. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, and visiting the casino where she enjoyed playing Keno. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Linda (David) Lambert of Warrens, WI, Daniel (Myriam) Kivimaki of Tomah, WI, Karen (Leo) Antone of Tomah, WI, Deborah (Douglas) Raabe of Tomah, WI, Timothy (Verdie) Kivimaki of Tomah, WI and Mae Kivimaki (significant other, William Chandler) of Tomah, WI, grandchildren, Lori (Eric) Wimer, Travis Lambert, Jennifer Antone, Jonathan (Annie) Antone, Melissa Antone (Justin), Joseph Raabe, Nicholas (Nicole) Raabe, Kelly (Adam) Trantow, Eric Clausen (fiancé, Courtney), Russel Clausen, Tony Clausen, Dr. Alex Kivimaki (fiancé, Colleen) and Steven Kivimaki (Sari), great grandchildren, Kayla, Bryce, Ellie and Amelia Wimer, Prestin Kurth-Boltz, Paxstin Lambert-Boltz, Chevy Antone (fiancé, Brianna), Harley Antone (fiancé, Layla), Cooper Antone, Taylor Antone, Maddie Davis, Hunter, Kaden, Adam, Gabriella, Ethan and Hannah Raabe and Wesley Trantow, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander and Mae, her husband, Tauno, an infant daughter, Jenny Lynn (twin to Mae), son-in-law, Leo Antone, siblings and spouses, Raymond (Leona) Giertych, Edward (Irene) Giertych and Rose (William) Squires and best friend, Shirley Schwemmer.
Pat’s family would like to thank the staff of Mayo Clinic ICU in La Crosse and the Serenity House in Tomah for the compassion and care she was given during her stay.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, October 10, 2024, 11:30 a.m. at the Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah. Father Ethan Hokamp will officiate. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
