Patricia Ann Cox

STOUGHTON/MCFARLAND- Patricia "Pat" Ann Cox (Frank), age 74, flew gracefully into the arms of our Lord on Thursday, September 7, 2023. She was born on April 21, 1949, at St. Mary's Ringling Hospital in Baraboo, WI, to Joy Mae Dwars and Walter Matthew Frank. Pat grew up in Baraboo, WI, at her family home on Eighth Street. "Patsy's" favorite childhood memories included weekend trips to her grandma's farm in Rock Springs, performing in the parlor with her sister, "Bobbie," playing softball in the front yard with her dad, and baking with her mom.

Pat's family moved to Lansing Street in Madison before she graduated from East High School in 1967. After high school, she enrolled at UW Madison and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and German. While attending college, Pat enjoyed living at home with her family at their new home on Sheridan Drive. She proudly skipped her college graduation to travel to Europe with her dear friend. Her blue travel journal has provided hours of entertainment as we have learned many secrets about her younger years.

Pat began working for the courts on November 1, 1971. She was an assistant to Sofron B. Nedilsky, the first director of the state's Office of Judicial Education. The two worked together to set up the Judicial Education Program. She was proud to develop this nationally recognized program alongside her favorite boss and friend, Sofron.

January 27, 1979, Pat married her sweetheart, John David Cox, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Madison, WI. She was lovingly walked down the aisle by her daddy, Walter Frank. Their early years were filled with adventure as they visited Elkhart Lake, their Lake Wisconsin cottage, and had many rides in John's sports cars. Before starting a family, they purchased their first home in McFarland, WI.

Pat went into labor three years later as they enjoyed their candlelight anniversary dinner at home. Their first daughter, Meredith Joy, was born on January 28, 1982. Two years later, on March 7, 1984, their second child, a son, David John, was born. The family enjoyed many family trips to Florida, Yellowstone National Park, Cancun, Door County, and a cruise to Barbados.

In 1984, Pat began searching for a job that would allow her to work part-time to spend more time at home with her two children. Through a conversation with Marilyn Graves, then clerk of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, Pat was offered a deputy clerk position, where she spent the next 20 years before retirement. She was proud to be the first employee in the Supreme Court permitted to job share, which created more opportunities for those who succeeded her.

Pat retired from the Supreme Court in 2005 after 34 years of service. With this newfound freedom, Pat and John traveled around the United States to Arizona, Tennessee, Maine, Vermont, and Georgia. They eventually became snowbirds and moved to Ft. Myers, Florida, for a portion of each year. They enjoyed meeting new friends and spending time with family during Spring Break.

As time passed, grandchildren came into the picture, and it was harder and harder for her to take trips and be away from them for long. Therefore, they moved to Stoughton, so the commute would only be five minutes, not twelve. Those extra seven minutes were often used for lipstick or eyebrow application. Pat's greatest joys were her three granddaughters, Addy Rose, Josie Ann, and Olivia Jean. She felt no greater joy than holding her baby's babies. From daily pick-ups at school, shopping trips to Kohl's, and pedicures at the salon, to say that she spoiled the girls was an understatement, but don't tell her that.

Spending time with family was Pat's greatest joy. In addition to her human family, there were many four-legged furry members from her childhood pets to Ms. Ti, Buttons, Andy, Juliet, Bootsie, Zoe, and her most beloved, Sassi. There was never a doubt that she was an animal lover. Pat made numerous trips around the nation to zoos to visit her precious koalas, pandas, manatees, and hippos. Some of her favorites were Mei Lan and Lun Lun from the Atlanta Zoo and Tucker, Bibi, Fiona, and Fritz from the Cincinnati Zoo. Mom, we will still take our family trip to Hippo Cove in Cincinnati. We know you will be there in spirit, swimming alongside Fritz and Fiona.

Pat was an avid member of the International Crane Foundation and developed a deep connection with Ole and Lena, two Sandhill Cranes that would return yearly to the pond in her backyard. Ole, Lena, and Blue (the heron) would instantly calm when they heard her sweet voice welcoming them. She could walk up to them, feed them, and they would thank her with beautiful flapping wings and cackles. What a divine intervention that Ole, Lena, and Blue landed moments before she went to be with God. As the sun rose, her birdies gave her wings and accompanied her to heaven. What a beautiful flight to see!

Pat was an active member of the McFarland Lioness Club, where she organized bake sales, school supply drives, and fundraisers. She also helped prepare and serve many senior luncheons at Christ Lutheran Church in Stoughton. Pat loved to provide for others and valued the friendships she made through these organizations.

Pat is lovingly remembered by her beloved husband of 44 years, John David Cox; daughter, Meredith Joy (Joshua) Borchert; son, David John Cox; granddaughters, Adelaide (Addy) Rose, Josie Ann, and Olivia Jean Borchert; sister, Barbara Joy Casto; nephews, Brandon (Kristy), Barrett (Jen) and Jordan (Amanda) Casto. In addition, she will be forever remembered by many other relatives and close friends.

Pat was welcomed into heaven by her father, Walter Matthew Frank; mother, Joy Mae Frank-Melton; grandmother, Elsie Dwars; grandfather, William Dwars; aunt, Marjorie Dwars and brother-in-law, Melvin Casto.

Pat's family would like to send profound gratitude to the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Dr. Malinda West, Dr. Melisa Hergert, Dr. Kari Wisinski, Agrace Hospice nurses Bernadette Archer and Stephanie Weckerly, and Pastor Paula Geister-Jones. Your empathy, honesty, and love were overwhelming in the best possible way.

It's not goodbye, it's see you later. We'll see you every day in the cranes' flapping wings and the hummingbirds' buzzing. We gratefully thank God for giving you to us. He must really love us because He gave us the best He had. We love you forever!

Visitation will be from 9-11:00 AM on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 with a Memorial Service and luncheon to follow at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 700 County Road B, Stoughton, WI 53589.

In place of flowers, please donate in Pat's honor to Gilda's Club Madison or The International Crane Foundation in Baraboo.

Cress Funeral Home Stoughton

608-873-9244