Racine – Wallace Arthur Patzke, Sr., 92, received the promise of eternal life on Saturday, March 25, 2017, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Racine on November 19, 1924, son of the late Arthur and Louise (née: Becker) Patzke.

Wallace was married to the love of his life, the former Betty Veronica Bauer, on October 12, 1946, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Betty preceded Wallace in death on August 22, 2015.

Wallace proudly and faithfully served his country in the United States Army. He served in the European theatre during World War II. Wallace worked for Oster-Sunbeam for 26 years. He then worked in management for Multi Products for another 26 years, retiring in January 1999.

Wallace loved to race midget race cars in the 1940's and 1950's. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and former president of its Church Council. Wallace also served as the superintendent of the Sunday School program at Emmanuel for many years. Above all, Wallace adored his entire family. He loved connecting with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren on FaceTime. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

Wallace leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Wallace (Beth Moore) Patzke, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, Richard (Bonnie) Patzke of Apple Valley, MN, Sandra (Lee) Bulgrin of Franksville; grandchildren, Beth (Donald) Gibson of Jacksonville, FL, Jessica Heried of Oak Creek, Jeffrey (Elise) Patzke of Kasson, MN, Jennifer (Orrin) Stearns of Green Bay, Martin (Alyssa Eder) Patzke of St. Paul, MN; great-grandchildren, Ashley Anne, John, Zoe, Theodore, Kingston, Oliver, Luke; sisters-in-law, Katie Patzke, Betty Patzke, Sharon Patzke, Virginia McCabe, Dolly Bauer, Jan Bauer, Debbie Bauer, Mary Bauer, Mardell (Wayne) Fuller; brother-in-law, James (Pam) Bauer; aunt, Ellen Heyde; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents and wife, Wallace is preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Patzke; brothers, Richard Patzke, Donald Patzke, Eugene Patzke, David Patzke, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Mary Patzke; sisters-in-law, Charlotte "Sis" Zboril, Francis "Tootie" Smetana; brothers-in-law, Robert Bauer, Don Bauer, Charles Bauer, Eugene Bauer, and Joseph Bauer.

A celebration of Wallace's life will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017, 11:00am, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 725 High Street, with Pastor Steve Clingman officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service. Entombment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park at 1:30pm on Friday. The family has suggested memorials to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Food Pantry.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt "Thank You" to Wallace's caregivers, Alnita Johnson and Tina Smith, for the love and care given to Wallace and our family during this difficult time.

Service Details

Date:  Friday, March 31, 2017

Location:  Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 725 High Street, Racine, WI 53402

Visitation Time:  10:00am until the time of the funeral

Funeral Time:  11:00am

Interment:  West Lawn Memorial Park, 9000 Washington Avenue, Mt. Pleasant, WI 53406

Interment Time:  1:30pm

Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists