(Nee Gertz) Age 77. At peace August 27, 2021. Preceded in death by Robert, her loving husband of 50 years. Beloved mother of Daniel and John (Bonnie) Meerschaert. Dear sister to Susan (Ernie) Wenzel and Carol (Terry) Knutson. Further survived by her nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Patti always helped everyone she could, and she will be dearly missed by the people she touched during her amazing life.

Memorial gathering at Wisconsin Memorial Park Chapel of the Chimes, 13235 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI on Saturday September 25, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral service at 11:00 AM. If you are not vaccinated against COVID-19, please respect Patti's wishes and kindly wear a face mask to protect yourself and others.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin ( www.assew.org ) to honor Patti's legacy. ASSEW is an amazing organization that helps local families through its mission to improve the lives of all affected by autism.

Patti was born in Milwaukee, WI on September 30, 1943 to Milton and Grace Gertz. She had a wonderful childhood, highlighted by many trips to the family cabin on Indian Lake near Manistique, Michigan. She graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1961 and went on to earn a BS degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 1965. She traveled to Europe before starting her career as a teacher. She met Robert in the fall of 1967, and they quickly fell in love and were married on February 24, 1968.

Patti was passionate about education – both her own and that of others. She was a teacher in Milwaukee and Whitefish Bay. She served on the Cudahy School Board for 20 years and personally handed her son John his high school diploma in 1990 when she was School Board President. She kept learning until the day she died – taking classes, traveling on educational trips, and reading everything she could get her hands on. She even volunteered in the library when she moved to the Lake Terrace Apartments at Shorehaven in Oconomowoc.

Patti was a tireless advocate for people with disabilities for the better part of 50 years. When her son Dan was diagnosed with autism in the early 1970s, she didn't say "why me." Instead, she researched ways to help her son as well as other families in the same situation. She founded the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin (ASSEW) in 1976, served on its Board of Directors for decades, and also served on state and national Autism Society boards. She became ASSEW's first Executive Director in 1996 and served in that position for 10 years. She was a mentor and friend to many others in the community who advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. She fought for all people to have a voice in their future and a valued place in our society.

Patti was a loving wife and an amazing mom. She loved reading, gardening, birds, trees, hiking, baking, and being with her family. She gave both her boys every opportunity to learn, experience life, and be the best they could be. She passed down her love of learning, sense of adventure, green thumb, and compassion for others to her son John. She was Dan's devoted advocate and friend for almost 53 years. She selflessly cared for Robert when his health failed. Patti helped everyone, and now she is at peace.

Please keep Patti's legacy alive by helping others and fighting for people who can't always fight for themselves.