Patricia Ann (Hass) Formanek, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. She was born on May 3, 1950 in La Crosse to Goodwin Sr. and Leone (Hammes) Hass. Patty shared 57 wonderful years of marriage with her high school sweetheart, Robert “Bob” Formanek, whom she met at Aquinas High School. Their enduring love and devotion to one another was a beautiful testament to a lifetime of partnership, family, and faith. Following graduation from Aquinas she attended Western Technical College earning her degree in nursing. She worked in several nursing roles throughout her career including public health, critical care, and emergency nursing. After working and raising her four children she returned to school and graduated from Viterbo University with a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education. Her nursing career finished where it started, retiring as the interim Dean of Nursing at Western Technical College. Patty lived her life with honesty, a caring heart, and an unwavering kindness that touched countless lives. As a nurse, she brought comfort and healing to many, embodying the true spirit of a caregiver. While she took great pride in her remarkable nursing career, her greatest achievement was being a devoted mother to her four children and a loving grandmother to her ten grandchildren. She treasured every moment spent with her husband, children and grandchildren, and shared a deep, unbreakable bond with her sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews. Patty was the ultimate confidante—a great listener whose quiet wisdom and attentive ear provided comfort to anyone in need.

Patty’s compassion extended far beyond her professional career. Her generous spirit shone through her commitment to volunteering, a reflection of her lifelong dedication to helping others. Following Hurricane Katrina, she volunteered her nursing services in New Orleans, bringing care and comfort to those in need during a time of tremendous hardship. She also generously volunteered with Birthright and served as a Prayer Partner at St. Rose Convent.

Patty embraced life fully, pouring her heart into her passions. Whether she was lost in a good book, nurturing her garden, cooking a beautiful meal, or traveling to new places, she did so with joy. She loved to shop, host, and entertain, making her home a sanctuary of warmth and hospitality.

In addition to her devoted husband, Bob, she is survived by her four loving children, Craig Formanek of San Carlos, CA, Danielle (Brandon) Swiggum of Eastman, WI, Krista (Joel) Clinton of Holmen, WI and Ryan (Lindsey) Formanek of Viroqua, WI. Patty will be greatly missed by her 10 grandchildren, Gabriela Formanek, Ethan (Elizabeth), Zachary, Sawyer, Cole Swiggum, James, Luke, Gavin Clinton, Ben and Will Formanek. Patty is also survived by her siblings and many dear friends who will miss her dearly and will forever cherish the memories they shared with her: sister, Karen Johnson; brother, Terry (Mary Sue) Hass; sister, Diane Cooley; sister, Marilyn (Doug) Quinn; sister, Teresa (Ron) Martin; sister, Linda (Terry) Greene. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by an infant sister Donna, her parents Goodwin Sr. and Leone Hass, a nephew, Scott Johnson, sister in-law, Patricia Hass, brother in-law, Jeffery Cooley and brother, Goodwin Hass Jr. and a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Patty truly loved her family, her faith, and her commitment to making the world a better place. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to caring for others, her compassionate heart, her strength, and her deep commitment to her family, faith, and community. Her life was one of service, love, and generosity, and she touched the lives of countless people through her kindness and caring spirit. Her legacy of love, honesty, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to St. Croix Hospice Services and the staff at Mayo Clinic for the compassionate care, comfort, and support they provided to Pat and her family during her final days. Their kindness, dedication, and compassion meant so much to Patty and to everyone who loved her.

A visitation will would be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow on Thursday, September 3rd. Patty will be laid to rest at the Catholic Cemetery on Losey Boulevard. A luncheon will follow at Leo Hall at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorials be made in Patty’s honor to Aquinas High School or Western Technical College.