Patricia E. Ahrens

Patricia E. Ahrens, age 87, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Gundersen Health System Hospital in La Crosse, surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 14, 1937, in Arcadia, WI, to Peter and Ella (Kokott) Giemza. The family later moved to Winona, and Pat graduated from Winona High School in 1955.

She was united in marriage with James G. Ahrens, Sr., on November 12, 1955, in Winona, and together they raised five children. Jim preceded her in death on March 6, 2008.

Pat was a member of St. Casimir’s Catholic Church, and throughout her career, she worked in food service for various companies, where she was able to socialize and visit with people.

She will be remembered for her enjoyment of flowers, gardening, cardinals, her strong work ethic, and for the love of her home where she resided for over 61 years.

Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she cherished the time that she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed by all those who loved her.

Pat is lovingly survived by her children: Jeffrey Ahrens, Winona; Jayne Ahrens, Shakopee, MN; James (Zenta) Ahrens, Jr., Frontenac, MN; and Tricia (Mark) Bushman, Neillsville, WI; grandchildren: Jessie, Audrey (John Paul), Ciara (Ben), Danielle, Randy Jr., Ashlee, Alissa (Jordan), Samantha, Joshua, Mariah (Kenny), and Zachary; great-grandchildren: Caden, Abby, Mackenzie, Alayna, Little Kenny, Hudson, Cameron, Collin, Brennan, Makayla, Jaiden, Caitlyn, and Kroy; sisters: Rose Sworsky and Henrietta “Sis” (Gordon) Long; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; daughter, Cathy Rose; grandson, Eric Bruss; parents; and siblings: Albin Giemza, Ronald Giemza, Elaine Long, and JoAnn Wieczorek.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Winona. The Very Reverend Mark C. McNea will officiate. Pat will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Following the burial, there will be a luncheon and reception held in the St. Casimir’s Church Hall.

Pallbearers will be: James Ahrens, Jr., Randy Rose, Mark Bushman, John Paul Mercier, Zachary Bushman, and Joshua Bushman.

Pat’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff of La Crescent Health Services for taking such good care of their mom over the last two months.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Pat’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.