Patricia Loretta Hoeltzer, age 71, of Independence, formerly of Whitehall, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 2, 2018.

Patricia was born on October 2, 1946 in Chicago, IL to Earl and Loretta (Wegner) Ieler. She was an only child, raised by extended family, including her aunt, the late Armella (Wegner) Pawelko.

Patricia attended the Cosmopolitan Prep School in Chicago, IL. She met her husband, Ronald Hoeltzer, at a roller skating rink and two were married on December 17, 1963. They had two children, Robert Alan and Andrea "DeeDee" Dawn Hoeltzer. Ronald preceded Patricia in death in 2000, as did Andrea in 2005.

After several years of being a driving instructor, Patricia found her true passion in becoming a foster parent. This passion brought her and Ron to Whitehall in 1991, along with her late brother-in-law, Russell Hoeltzer and his wife, Dottie. With more land and larger houses, the two families shared their lives with many foster children.

Patricia loved the rural life in Wisconsin. In her later years, she found comfort in God and became very spiritual. She was uplifting and sought to find the good in people. Her always joking personality won the hearts of all those who met her. Patricia was a skilled artist and enjoyed drawing. She loved Westerns and horses and enjoyed cheering on the Packers with Dale.

Patricia is survived by her loving companion of 14 years, Dale Sunday of Independence; a son, Robert (Joanne) Hoeltzer; a granddaughter, Angelina (Vincent) Hoeltzer; a grandson, Paul Hoeltzer of Streamwood, IL; a great-grandson, Nicholas Kluss; a niece, Michelle Hull of Blair; a cousin, Mary Pawelko of Merrimack, NH; and many former foster children, friends and Facebook friends. All will miss her dearly.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, July 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home with burial in the Lincoln Cemetery both in Whitehall. Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital.