Patricia H. Bleil, age 66, of Kenosha passed away suddenly at Froedtert South-St. Catherine’s Medical Center on Monday, October 15, 2018.

Born in Kenosha on February 6, 1952, she was the fifth of seven children of the late Dr. Robert and Margaret (Tully) Heller, Sr.  Patte attended St. James Elementary School, graduated from St. Joseph High School and attended University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

On June 19, 1981, she was married to William Bleil at St. James Catholic Church.  After getting their start in Milwaukee, they spent time in North Carolina and Fayetteville, Arkansas before settling in Kenosha in 1994.  Over this time, they were blessed with three wonderful children.  Patte embraced motherhood with the loving kindness that is her defining trait, and the family thrived under her care.  Her devotion to her children, and to Bill, was absolute.  Patte’s two young grandsons, Arlo and Felix, shared in this love from the moment they arrived.  She adored them without end.

It is no surprise that caring for others was also the central theme of Patte’s other pursuits.  She worked as an x-ray technician and as a kindergarten and preschool teacher at local schools.  She generously gave her time to many charitable causes and events, especially the Kenosha Hospice House and countless school fundraisers - even after the kids had all graduated!

In her spare time, Patte took great delight in finding outlets for her creative spirit.  She was a talented artist in watercolor, oil painting and stain glass designs.  She launched into new projects with incredible gusto, and her positive outlook is joyfully evident in even the plainest subject of one of her still life paintings.  Patte also enjoyed spending time outdoors. She and Bill took the kids skiing locally and in search of longer runs at ski hills out west.  She was an avid golfer who made any round more fun.  If there happened to be a spare evening in the week, it was quickly filled with league bowling, bocce, bike rides, knitting or some other activity with family and friends.

The enduring legacy of Patte Bleil will be the impact of her total selflessness.  Her empathy for family, friends, and even strangers is legendary.  In everything that she did, Patte was guided by a desire to make life better and happier.  She loved everyone, and was loved by all in return.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Bill; their children, Ashley (René) Buys, Andrew “Buck” Bleil and Abigale “Abby” Bleil; two grandchildren, Arlo and Felix Buys; her siblings, Dr. Robert “Buzz” (Mary Kay) Heller, Katie (Barry) Wojtak, Dr. Margaret Heller, Thomas (Debbie) Heller, and Annie (Dan) Weatherbee and her brother in law, Bill Whyte along with many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Whyte.

Service Info

Funeral services honoring Patte's life will be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church, 7117 14th Avenue. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the church for the service.