Loretta Jane (nee Patterson) Zenke

Loretta J. Zenke (nee Patterson) passed away peacefully at her home in Hartford, Wisconsin, on April 27th 2024 at the age of 89. She was born October 25th, 1934 in Big Spring, Texas to the late John and Delores Patterson.

She met her future husband Raymond M. Zenke in Big Spring where he served in the Air Force. They married on September 6th,1952 and later moved to Wisconsin where they lived for the rest of their lives. During Ray’s service in the Air Force Loretta gave birth to their son George, and after Ray’s honorable discharge to their daughter Andrea.

Loretta and Ray enjoyed over 40 years together collecting and selling antiques. Loretta was a dedicated employee for the Washington County Clerk of Courts for 24 years and enjoyed the friends she made there. Her other interests included a love for planting and growing flowers and capturing their beauty in her watercolor paintings. Loretta and Ray opened their home throughout their lives to many four-footed pets, and her last dog Rosie was a constant source of comfort and joy to her.

After Ray’s passing in 2002, Loretta battled multiple health issues during her final years, but she never lost her resilience or good-natured, west Texas sassiness. She always looked forward to friends or family stopping by so she could share the many stories of her life.

Loretta was most passionate about her family. She loved being surrounded and spending time with her loved ones. Sadly, she experienced the recent heartbreaking loss of her son, George, to Alzheimer’s disease.

Loretta was preceded in death by husband Ray, son George, and sister Jeanette. Survivors include her daughter Andrea (Bryan) Buford, daughter-in-law Lynn Zenke (George), grandchildren Kevin Flasch, Nicole Whelan, Aaron Zenke, and Stevie-Lyn (Zachary) Ragels and four great-grandchildren, Luna, Julian, Amelia, and Arthur.  She will be sorely missed.

Visitation is Saturday May 4th from 11 am – 1 pm at the Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home – Hartford, WI. funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 1 pm. Entombment will be at Wisconsin Memorial Park on May 6th.

 If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.

-A.A. Milne

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