Dennis A. Patri

On August 4, 2025, Dennis A. Patri, age 73, entered his eternal home after dying peacefully at his home near Manawa, Wisconsin. He was born on March 8, 1952, son of the late Arnold and Beatrice (Abraham) Patri, Township of Little Wolf.

Dennis graduated from Little Wolf High School in 1970. He was an avid gardener and attended Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, graduating with a degree in horticulture. He worked at greenhouses in Kenosha and Fond du Lac until he was able to start his own greenhouse business (Mountain Lake Gardens) near Manawa in the mid 1980's. He specialized in day lilies and propagated many new varieties of his own.

Besides working in the field of horticulture, Dennis also enjoyed traveling the country, vacationing in Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Mexico. Other hobbies included playing cards with his sisters, brothers-in-law, and friends. He played on several dartball leagues, including the Seniors' league in New London, the St. Paul Lutheran team, and the Zion Lutheran team in Manawa. He enjoyed competing against his sister on his church dartball team and was always devasted when she beat him.

Dennis was always a happy soul, and all his life he had a strong faith. He enjoyed being with his family and the numerous friends that he made at the Neenah and Shawano farmers' markets.

He is survived by his three sisters: Carol (Norris) Brown, Marilyn (Dale) Schwanke, and Nancy (Terry Elandt) Rasmussen. He was also blessed with five nephews: Terry Wilke, Jordan Brown, Jason Schwanke, Joshua (Tracy) Schwanke, Mark (Rachel Ehlert) Rasmussen; and one niece, Lisa Rasmussen.

Besides his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by a sister, Julie, and a brother-in-law, Walter Rasmussen.

The Memorial Service for Dennis will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Manawa, Wisconsin, with Rev. Nathan Reichle officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be prior to the service from 9:00 - 10:45 a.m. at the church.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV)