Memorial: Pat Powell

Patricia Powell, age 78, passed away on Tuesday Jan. 4, 2021 at Appleton Medical Center after battling the COVID-19 virus briefly. She was born Nov. 1, 1942 to Henry and Genevieve Bonk. Patricia married Gary Powell on Feb. 9, 1963. 

Pat worked at Ariens Manufacturing Company in Brillion, Wisconsin until her retirement. After which, she worked part-time as a member of former Lawrence Dining Services and current Bon Appétit Dining Services teams for many years. She will be missed as part of the Lawrence community, as she touched many lives during her time here.  

Pat liked to travel with her late husband, Gary, and bingo and slot machines. For the last 19 years, Pat spent her summers in Door County. She loved reading and the Green Bay Packers.  

Patricia is survived by her children James and Christine Powell, grandchildren Bailey, Kalyn Kane, and James, and great grandchild Kadem alongside their significant others. Patricia is also survived by her siblings Jenny Anderson, Clara Leonard, Debbie Byng, and Don Bonk, in-laws Ron Powell, their significant others, and many nieces and nephews. 

Her children wrote in her obituary published in Appleton’s Post-Crescent on Jan. 8, 2021: “Mom, grandma, great grandma… we are heart-broken you left us so soon. We love you and will miss you. Rest easy. Please know that COVID is real.” 

A friend wrote, “Pat, your smile and friendly hello will be missed at Harbor Village. Bob and I pray that your family will find peace knowing that you are with God.” 

Julie Esch Hurvis Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life and Chaplain to the University Linda Morgan-Clement wrote to the campus body in her memory, “Pat had many close friends amongst our Dining Services team, and I know that you will acknowledge their loss and the many complex emotions that are present, even as they continue to provide gracious hospitality to the campus. […] Friends, I encourage us to hold Pat and those who love her gently. Allow your own heart space to name its anguish with the care you would offer a friend.  Have the courage to give the gift of silence, to feel deeply, to have no answer and to allow others the same.  Engage, challenge, encourage and love across this small community so that Lawrence itself may be an imperfect beacon for a collective reconstruction of shared life.” 

A memorial celebration of Pat Powell’s life will be held at a later date to mitigate the risks of the coronavirus. Details of the memorial will be announced as they become public. 

You may send flowers or plant a tree in Patricia Powell’s memory at https://legcy.co/2KzdAMd