Bernice “Pat” A. Zitzelberger (nee Geist), 85, was called home on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. Pat was a loving wife, outstanding mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother.

Pat was born on Sept. 28, 1927, in Milwaukee to Alfred “Fuzzy” and Marie “Mae” (nee Bruno) Geist. She married Gerald “Jerry” Zitzelberger on May 21, 1949, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Milwaukee.

Pat’s greatest joy was making people laugh. She was very crafty and especially enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and counted cross stitch. Pat loved spending time with family and friends and often took Jackpot Tour trips with Jerry and her friends.

Pat is survived by her husband Jerry; children Karen (Bob) Fehrmann, John Zitzelberger, and Chris (John) Groth; and grandchildren Nickolas and Jessica Fehrmann, Justin (Heidi) Groth, Stacy (Phil) Summers, and Rachel (Zachary) Cass. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren Tony, Emily, Sarah, Andrea, and Audriana, and the soonarriving Melanie; sister Carol (Erwin) Peckham; brother Al (Bev) Geist; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. Pat is preceded in death by her parents, loving sisters Charlotte “Billie” and Kathleen, and special nephew Kevin.

A funeral service for Pat will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel, 1420 W. Paradise Drive in West Bend, with Deacon Mark Jansen presiding. Visitation will be from 1-3:45 p.m. at the funeral home on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Private interment will take place at Washington County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Baylor College of MedicineCMV Research. Checks can be made to: Baylor College of Medicine, Memo Line: Pat Zitzelberger/CMV Research and sent to: Baylor College of Medicine Office of Development, One Baylor Plaza BCM160, Houston, TX 77030.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Peter Cornelius and the nurses and staff in the ICU at Froedtert St. Joseph’s Hospital, town of Polk, for all their care and compassion for Pat and her family.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family; (262) 338-2050 / www.phillipfuneralhome.com.