Patricia Marie Alden, age 75, peacefully left us in the early morning hours on March 27, 2013, to be welcomed into Heaven. Her daughter, Lori, was by her side.

Pat was born on April 7, 1937 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, to Henry and Angeline (Puc) Cronick. She lived most of her life in Ladysmith with the exception of a few adventurous months in the Twin Cities with pals Vicki (Hegeman) Nelson and Diane (Kromrey) Beise. Pat attended grade school at Our Lady of Sorrows (OLS) Catholic School and her high school years were spent at Ladysmith High School, which is now the Ladysmith Middle School and only one block from where she lived after marriage.

Pat started working at the WLDY Radio Station in 1955 and continued for the next 39 ½ years until her retirement in 1994. She was "Girl Friday:" announcer, bookkeeper, commercial creator, News Director, and even Mrs. Santa Claus. She took young announcers (Bob Krejcerak) and salesmen (Kyle Gibbs) under her motherly wing, and often sent plates of food on holidays for announcers that had to work, since much of the radio during those years were live broadcasts.

Pat married John Myles Alden on June 28, 1958 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Ladysmith and "marrying Pat was the best thing I ever did in life," according to John. Pat and John were married for over 54 years. They welcomed three daughters and were later blessed with seven grandchildren.

Pat and John felt a faith-based education was important and sent all three of their children to OLS. While her children attended OLS, Pat held the post of PTA President for two terms and was a member of the Margaret Mary Confraternity. Pat was very proud that her three granddaughters were also able to attend OLS and was always present at Grandparent luncheons, Christmas programs, special events, and of course, sporting events that her granddaughters participated in.

Pat loved to cook and collect recipes. Holiday meals were filled with an amazing abundance of food made from hours in the kitchen late at night and early in the morning. She loved collecting dishes and kitchen gadgets.

Pat had a quick wit and traded many humorous quips and tricks with family friend, Clint Jenness, who left us too early in November 2010.

Pat and John spent many happy summer weekends at their trailer at Pulaski Lake in Bruce with special friends. Good times also included the Annual Labor Day Pig Roast at Boot Lake.

Treasured friends include Bud and Dode Brooks, who were companions with them on several trips to Las Vegas, one winter in Texas, a Caribbean cruise, and the occasional trip to the local casinos. Another family friend, Mel Gibbs, thought the world of "Patrice"…as Mel liked to call her, and Pat truly enjoyed her spunk.

Her memory will be cherished by her devoted husband John; their three daughters, Wendy (Dr. Roger) Shepherd of Rochester, MN, Lori (Mick) Fuchs of Ladysmith, Cindy (Ken R.) Gorsegner of Hudson, WI; and their seven grandchildren, John Roger Shepherd, Alex Shepherd, Mandy

(Mitch) Colby, Melissa Fuchs, Michelle Fuchs, Ken A. Gorsegner, and Grant Gorsegner. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Lillian Cronick; brothers-in-law Harold Alden and Tom Koyen; and many special nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her two sisters, Dolores M. Thompson and Mary Ann Cronick; her three brothers, Raymond, James, and William; brother-in-law Thomas Thompson; sisters-in-law Alice Cronick, Nancy Handelman, Sharon Koyen; and niece Deborah Wiltse.

Family and friends are welcome to join her family in remembrance at the Nash-Jackan Funeral Home in Ladysmith on Tuesday, April 2, starting at 4:00 p.m. with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Ladysmith on Wednesday, April 3, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation for one hour prior to Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Burial and luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School.