Clifford J. Patoka

Clifford J. Patoka

Formerly of Custer, died Monday afternoon, November 16, 2020 at Ascension St. Michael's Hospital due to complications of pneumonia. Age 94 Cliff was born March 30, 1926 in Amherst, WI.

He was the son of the late Isadore and Frances (Konkol) Patoka. He attended St. Mary's of Mt. Carmel and Fountain Grove schools in Amherst. Clifford entered the United States Army on March 23, 1945 in Milwaukee. He served as a PFC with the Hq. Detachment AF Mid. Pacific Co. during World War II. Cliff received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on March 23, 1946 at Camp Beale, CA.

Cliff married the former Rita Cieslewicz on May 13, 1950 at St. Mary's of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Fancher. After their marriage the couple settled in Nelsonville for many years before settling in Custer in 2003. His wife Rita preceded him in death on March 27, 2012. Before his marriage Cliff worked at Blatz Brewery. Returning to the area he purchased a Milk Route which he ran for four years. He then went to work for H.O. Wolding as a truck driver for 46 years.

After retiring he hauled wood chips to paper mills, and would also haul sand for his neighbors in Ellis. He would also help out Zoromski Family Farms driving truck and tractor the last few years.

Cliff had a strong faith and prayed the rosary daily. He also attended daily mass after his retirement. He was a life long member of the Holy Name Society of St. Mary's Fancher, and also a 20 year member Sacred Heart Holy Name in Polonia. Cliff was also a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV) Post 185 of Polonia.

Cliff enjoyed gardening, making wood and listening to Polka music.

Survivors include his two sons William (Carol) Patoka of Amherst, Robert (Mary) Patoka of Amherst Jct, and one daughter Barbara Jean (Kenneth) Richter of Rosholt. Eight grandchildren; Jodi (Joe) Patoka, Nicole (Eric) Joswiak, Mandy (Sean) Finlaw, Megan (Larry) Dahl, Eric (Kari) Richter, Keith (Sarah) Richter, Matthew (Candice) Richter and Lindsay Collins.

Further survived by 18 Great Grandchildren and one brother Daniel (Bonnie) Patoka and one sister in law Lucille Patoka.

Cliff was preceded in death by his wife Rita, one infant son, four brothers Edwin, Max, Herald and Raymond and his four sisters Verona, Virginia, Chesterine and Marge.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M Friday, November 20, 2020 at St. Mary's of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Fancher. Family and friends may gather at the church from 10:30 A.M. until the time of mass. Burial with full military honors will follow in the St. Mary's Parish Cemetery. Masks will be required at Church and distancing will be observed. Attendance will be on your own comfortability, as the funeral mass will be video taped and placed on the Pisarski Website for those not attending to view. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.pisarskifuneralhome.com . The Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Clifford's family would like to thank the Whispering Pine Lodge staff and nurses where he lived the last two years.