James Patrick (Pat) Wuetrich, 87, passed away on April 16th, returning to his beloved wife, Dorothy, on her birthday.
Born in Monroe in 1938 to Jimmy and Romayne, he grew up surrounded by six sisters. Post high school, Pat spent time in the Navy. He married Dorothy (Phillips) Wuetrich in 1965. Despite a honeymoon that involved a Cubs game and a stay at the YMCA, for the next 59 years, they showed us all what unconditional love looked like. He was a successful business owner in Monroe. Pat and Dorothy ran the Corner Cafe which they bought from his dad, Jimmy. He made a mean pancake, but if you ever had the pleasure of ordering cream of wheat or a poached egg from him during a breakfast rush, you knew he was a character. He later owned Ruf's Confectionary, a staple place for morning conversations, great malts, and the best popcorn. In 2002, Pat and Dorothy moved to Janesville where he worked as a shortage driver for the Janesville Gazette..
Outside of work, Pat enjoyed attending sporting events and was an avid golfer and spectator. It was probably his greatest joy and biggest frustration. He may have thrown a club or two. He didn't just love it; he was good at it, scoring three holes-in-one in his lifetime, the last at 77. He was a lifetime member of the Monroe Lion's Club. Pat also enjoyed traveling, especially to beaches and golf courses.
Pat was a dedicated grandpa, and he cherished taking the grandkids mini golfing followed by ice cream and donuts.
He had a touch of wanderlust which he passed on to his kids.
His family is so sad to see him go, but we find peace in knowing he and Dorothy are together again as he was lost without her. The last few years were tough on him, and the family wants to thank some important people who made things a little easier: his Hospice nurses Amy and Esther, Dr. Arndt, Shawn DeVault, and all the staff of Sandstone Easter at Rock Haven.
Pat is survived by his children Al (Brenda) and Tricia (Bill) Clasen, grandchildren Lexi (Joey) Hanson, Grace Clasen, Ryan Wuetrich, and Faith Clasen, and five sisters Mary Jo, Therese (John) Varner, Barb (Dale) Bigler, Michele, and Becky.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, his parents Jimmy and Romayne, and his sister, Kaye.
Per Pat's wishes, there will be no services. We encourage you to hit a round a golf, have a beer, and flip off a bad driver in his honor.