Patricia Grace von Rautenkranz went peacefully into God’s loving arms on Saturday, December 12, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI in August of 1928 as the eldest daughter of Elmer K. Theirbach and Anne Ingram (Theirbach) Plaisance. She graduated from West Division High School in 1944.
Patricia married Jimmy Dick Dotson in Chicago, IL in April of 1952 and they resided in Evanston, IL, moving to Wheaton, IL in the spring of 1956. Jimmy died August 20, 1960 after an automobile accident. During the next few years, Pat went to work as a dressmaker and seamstress at Stuart’s of Chicago. On August 1, 1964 she married Carter von Rautenkranz and moved to Sheboygan, WI where Carter was co-managing the Sheboygan County Airport. In 1967, they moved to Kohler, WI where she lived until 2012, when she moved back to Sheboygan.
She is survived by daughters Catherine (Tom) Zellmer, Linda Sue von Rautenkranz, LeeAnn von Rautenkranz, and grandsons Jared and Benjamin Zellmer, nephews David (Mary) Plaisance, Stephen (Pam) Plaisance, Brian (Sandra) Plaisance, Michael (Mickey) Plaisance, and niece, Lisa (Todd) Cantrell, as well as grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. She is further survived by her dear, dear friend, James (Clint Andersen) Olson.
Pat was a member of Grace Episcopal Church for almost 60 years and was active in many ways throughout that time. She worked on many bazaars, rummage sales and church dinners, where you could always find her operating the dishwasher following a meal. She began singing in the church choir in the early 70’s and continued singing until the church discontinued in-person services this last spring. Members of the choir were some of her dearest friends. One of her greatest joys was singing at midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Pat and Carter enjoyed their years of boating and socializing at the Sheboygan Yacht Club. Many summer evenings were spent having dinner on their boat’s fantail. Their home was often a gracious gathering place for their many friends in the community.
Pat was known in the area for her design and sewing skills. She led the costuming and wardrobe center with Sheboygan Community Players for over ten years, many times replicating Broadway designs for lead actors. After leaving the theater, she developed a home sewing business that included alterations for many regular clients, including the design and creation of wedding apparel. This included exquisite bridal gowns, both copies of designer dresses and her own creations, as well as gowns for bridesmaids, mother-of-the brides, flower girl dresses, and more. She taught many others to sew over the years including her three daughters. In her later years, Pat also worked at Art Imig’s Clothiers.
She loved reading and would devour books in a day. She enjoyed a good meal with a glass of wine and especially loved lunches with her girl friends. Though she never traveled to all the places she wanted to go, she enjoyed her journeys to the Holy Land, Rome, Greece and London.
Pat was preceded in death by her mother, father, step-father, sisters (Charlotte & Judy) and brothers (Omar II & David), and her spouses Jimmy and Carter. A burial service and a celebration of her life will be held in late summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, Sheboygan, WI.
The family would like to thank all of the dedicated caregivers and medical teams who assisted in Pat’s care, especially Matthew’s Oncology, Coulis Cardiology, Dr. Nicolas Barnes and staff at Sheboygan Internal Medicine, Morningside Health Services, and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. Heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes out to the many friends who rallied around Pat during her last months. A special thanks to the Venerable Michele Witford for all of her pastoral care over the years and for being with Pat in her final hours.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Pat’s arrangements.
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