Patricia Watkowski

Patricia A. Watkowski, age 83, of Winona, passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2019, at St. Anne Extended Healthcare in Winona, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on March 30, 1935, in Winona, to Thomas and Veronica (Skroch) Pampuch.  Pat was united in marriage with James Watkowski on September 14, 1957, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona, and he preceded her in death on June 21, 2003.  Pat and Jim owned and operated Bambenek’s Grocery Store in Winona until its closing.

Pat was a member of the Polish Heritage Society and also of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka where she was active with the annual bazaar and headed the funeral lunch committee for many years.

She will be remembered as an excellent baker, and her Polish coffee cakes and big white cookies were always family favorites.  She also enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on the Mississippi River near Buffalo City, playing cards with the neighborhood card club, and as an avid gardener, she looked forward to browsing seed and flower catalogs each year to plan her garden.  Pat’s family and her faith were the foundations of her life.  She had a special devotion to praying the Rosary, and she cherished the time that she spent with her children and grandchildren.  She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Pat is lovingly survived by her children: Kim (Dick) Wanek, Jean (Rick) Papenfuss, Jim (Anne) Watkowski, John Watkowski, Mike Watkowski, Lynn Watkowski, and Karen Sorum, including Jennifer Schams; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; siblings: Ruth Gappa, Jerry (Mary) Pampuch, Ron Pampuch, Jim (Diane) Pampuch, Roger “Pudge” (Linda) Pampuch, and Diane Krull; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings: Dick Pampuch, Nancy Russin, and Toni Pozanc.

Visitation will be held from 4 PM until 6 PM on Sunday, February 10, 2019, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, where Deacon Justin Green will lead the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary at 5:45 PM.  Visitation will also be held from 9 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM on Monday, February 11, 2019, in the Chapel of Our Lady at St. Anne Extended Healthcare.  The Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hargesheimer will officiate, assisted by Deacon Justin Green.  Pat will be laid to rest in a family ceremony to be held in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The family respectfully asks that memorials be directed to St. Anne Extended Healthcare, 1347 West Broadway, Winona, MN  55987.

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

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.