Patricia Ann Potthast, age 79, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, at her home in Pleasant Prairie, WI. She was born on July 25, 1944, in Waukegan, IL, to Christian and Alice (Julian) Ruchti. She grew up in Zion, IL, and was a 1962 graduate of Zion Benton High School. Patricia married Harold Potthast on March 23, 1963, in Kenosha, WI. They settled and raised their family in Kenosha.
Early on, Patricia raised her children, was employed by the Zion Cookie Factory and worked at the family business, Potthast Heating & Sheet Metal. Later, she worked for over 30 years as a Bookkeeper at Super Valu Foods, in Kenosha, WI. During her time there, she interacted with many customers and fellow employees, many of whom will remember Patricia as a kind, helpful and supportive individual.
Patricia was extremely devoted to her family and enjoyed spending as much time as she could with them. She found no greater joy than the family gathering for Thursday night dinners. Christmas was Patricia’s favorite time of the year! She enjoyed making cookies, going shopping for gifts, spoiling her grandchildren and more recently, her great grandchildren. In addition to her time with family, she enjoyed time with many close friends. She cherished the time that she was able to spend with friends and family, especially in her final days. She always put the needs of others first and had the ability to make anyone smile. Patricia is survived by her three children Harold Potthast, Jeffrey (Christiana) Potthast Sr, Christina (Michael) Riva, six grandchildren Jeffrey, Nicholas (Tracey), Annmarie (Michael), Joshua (Olivia), Alexander and Buchanan (Emily), along with seven great grandchildren Lucas, Jayne, Lucia, Tyler, Alice, August and Theodore. Additionally, she is survived by a sister, 3 brothers, 4 sisters-in-laws, a brother-in-law and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, companion, Dale Atkin, her parents, and her stepmother Myrtle Belle (McElroy) Ruchti.
Family, friends, and others are invited to a Celebration of Life at 10:00am on Saturday June 1, 2024, at New Life Lutheran Church-East (formerly Friedens Lutheran Church), located at 5038 – 19th Avenue in Kenosha. Visitation with the family will be at the church on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, to reminisce and honor the life of Patricia. Burial will follow the funeral on Saturday and will be at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, in Kenosha.
