Patricia Ann Heiser (aka Dr. Patricia Joo)

Patricia Ann Heiser, age 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with her loving family by her side. She was born on February 6, 1935, in Racine, WI to John and Josephine (Dobecki) Joo. She was a 1953 graduate of Eagle River High School. Following high school, Patricia obtained her Bachelor of Science and Medical Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Patricia completed her pediatric residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then completed a pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. On September 15, 1962, Patricia was united in marriage to Paul Joseph Heiser and together they had two children and a blessed life.

Patricia was known as Dr. Patricia (Patty) Joo in her professional life. She started her career at the Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Oncology, she was highly regarded for her ground-breaking work in the treatment of pediatric oncology. She was a member of the pioneering team that successfully performed one of the world’s first bone-marrow transplantations in 1968. In 1972, she was sent to India for two months by the World Health Organization to educate women on breastfeeding and proper water sterilization for use with formula. Prior to leaving for India, she made two months’ worth of dinners for her family, which she labeled and froze. Additionally, she wrote her family a letter every day over those two months. After her trailblazing work at the cancer center, Patricia left UW and had a long and successful career in general pediatrics. She was a founding member of the Jackson Clinic and later Physicians Plus Mutual Group. Her work as a pediatric oncologist and pediatrician deeply affected many lives and she never forgot the ones she could not save.

In her private life, she was Patricia Heiser – wife, mom, friend. Her husband, Paul, became a house-husband in 1972, holding down the fort at home in support of Patricia, of whom he was extremely proud. Together they navigated very unconventional roles for their time with grace and ease, and were a living example of you can do and be anything.

In retirement, Paul and Patricia traveled the southern United States in their Class A RV, towing their jeep. Over the years they traveled from Charleston, SC, to Julian, CA, and everywhere in between. They enjoyed sightseeing and hiking, and escaping the Wisconsin winter. Their favorite places were Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park. There were always stories to tell upon their return home.

Patricia was a fantastic cook, dabbling in a rich tapestry of global flavors. She specialized in spicy foods and wasn’t satisfied until the dish provoked tears. And she loved to host a party! Patricia was an avid reader and could frequently be found curled up with a book on the deck in her backyard. She was incredibly hard working and humble. She once said, “My wrinkles were earned.” Patricia was incredibly intelligent, and her love of learning never ended – she even attended college courses well into retirement. She loved her family deeply and gifted us with her brilliance and sharp wit. She will be profoundly missed by all.

Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul, her parents and sisters, Betty and Mary. She is survived by her children: Kim (Jerome) Beld of Madison, WI, and Christopher (Jennie) Heiser of Lodi, WI; her grandchildren: Ryan (Jessica Schadrie) Beld, Alexander (Brittany Magrady) Beld, and Kelsey (Terrence Bradley) Beld; her bonus granddaughter Dayna Nichols; her great-grandchildren: Zora, Kai and baby Bradley (due September 20), and Ivy Beld; and her bonus great-grandchildren: Kaylie and Kiersten Nichols and Faith Vanden Heuvel.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI. An additional visitation will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 7, 2026, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. All services will be held at the funeral home.

Memorials in Patricia’s honor are appreciated to the Oakwood Foundation (6201 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705; checks payable to Oakwood Foundation) or to the Agrace Hospice Foundation (5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; checks payable to Agrace Foundation).

Please share your memories below in the online guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434