Patricia Elsie Cowley

Patricia Elsie Cowley, age 88 of Dalton, passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at her home with family at her side.

Patricia was born on March 16, 1933, daughter of Charles and Elsie (Kohn) Whirry. Pat was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Cowley on June 11, 1955, at Markesan Methodist Church. Pat attended Marquette Grade School, graduating from Markesan High School in 1951, and continued her education at Columbia County Teachers College in 1953. Pat taught at the Rockhill Rural, Manchester Grade School and Hilldrop Grade School from 1953-1970, and she was a Church Sunday School teacher and Superintendent at Dalton Congregational Church.  She owned and operated Pat’s Corner Grocery Store in Dalton from 1976-1996. For many years she played the organ at Dalton Congregational Church and Methodist Church in Kingston. Pat enjoyed gardening, tending to her flower beds, league bowling, embroidery, knitting and sewing.  She was an avid reader, Packer, Badger and Brewer fan.  Pat was a member of Dalton Congregational Church.

Pat is survived by her three children, Daryl Cowley of Dalton, Lee (Lisa) Cowley of Dalton and Brenda (Ricky) Schwandt of Ripon; four grandchildren, Kelly (Scott) Behrmann, Allison Bartz, Katelyn Cowley and significant other Joshua Lang, step grandson, Zachary (Emily) Schwandt; seven great grandchildren, Tiffany, Tyler, Trey, Tabitha Behrmann, Bentley, Braxley and Lilo Johnson; great great-granddaughter expected in December; brother-in-law, Gerald Goodrich and sister-in-law, Betty Whirry.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard in 2003, two brothers, Lester Whirry and Maurice Whirry; two sisters, Lillian Turner and June Goodrich.

A visitation for Pat will be held from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Markesan Community Funeral Home, 868 North Margaret Street, Markesan, WI, with Pastor Brenda Grams and Pastor Gerald Goodrich officiating.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Markesan Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery on Hwy 44.