Patricia A. Del Ponte

Patricia Ann “Pat” Del Ponte, age 86, of Knowles, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 25, 2026, on a bright, warm, sunny day, surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 29, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in LeRoy, Wisconsin. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev Fr. Tom Biersack presiding. Following the service, interment will take place at St. Andrew Cemetery.

Pat was born on February 25, 1940, to John and Susan (Vander Grinten) Clark. She married Gordon Del Ponte on September 5, 1959, at St. Andrew Church in LeRoy. Together, Pat and Gordon enjoyed many years of travel and making memories.

Pat worked at Grande Cheese, Brownsville, for more than 40 years. She started in the packing room before ending up directing the day-to-day business from the receptionist desk. She was also active in her community, serving as secretary of the Knowles Fire Department Auxiliary and as a member of St. Andrew Christian Women’s Society.

One of Pat’s most memorable roles was that of Mrs. Claus, a tradition she began in 1983 to cheer up her father while he was a resident at Rolling Meadows Nursing Home. What started as a thoughtful gesture grew into a beloved yearly tradition, with Pat spreading Christmas cheer at area nursing homes, daycare centers, schools, and workplaces. She brought smiles to countless faces and made the season brighter for many.

Pat was a social butterfly who loved being around people and was always ready for a good time. Whether she was bowling, playing bingo, cards, darts, trying her luck at the casinos, or heading out on a road trip Pat knew how to enjoy herself. She especially loved her weekly dice games with her dear friends. There was always plenty of laughter, friendly competition, and good times. Pat could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and never met a stranger. If there was a chance to go somewhere, meet someone, or try something new, she was usually up for it. Her motto was “Experience it all,” and she certainly did her best to live by those words.

Above all, Pat was a loving mother to her three children and a proud grandmother to her grandchildren. She cared deeply for her family and friends and was always thoughtful of others, often not wanting to be a bother. Her warm spirit, easy conversation, and love of life made her a special part of the lives of so many who knew her.

Pat is survived by her children Deb (Bob) Simon of South Byron, Tony (Sharon) Del Ponte of Knowles, and Angie (Darren) Muche of Mayville. Her grandchildren, Ben (Amanda) Simon of Milwaukee, Katie (Mark) Feinstein of Sunnyvale, CA., Adam (Rebecca) Simon of Clarksville, TN., Andy (Kelsey) Del Ponte of Mukwonago, Jamie (Josh) Schraufnagel of Knowles, Amanda (Joe) Haas of Mayville, and Keshia (Wes) Munson of Lomira. Her 19 great grandchildren Sophia, Clara, Max, and Lucy Simon, David and Jason Feinstein, Makenzie (Sixto) Carcamo, Jackson, and Teddy Simon, Landon, Harper, and Payton Haas, Barrett and Blake Munson, Melanie, Luke, and Madelyn Schraufnagel, Lena and Mari Del Ponte, and one great-great granddaughter due in November. She is further survived by her sister Helen Theis, brother John (Johanne) Clark, sister-in-law Betty Clark and brother-in-law Roger Zangl. Special friends Caroline Weyer and Judy Gassner, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gordon; her brothers Leo (Grace) Clark and Dave Clark, her brothers and sisters in law Irvin “Pee Wee” Theis, John (Marcia) Milewski, Diane Zangl.

Pat lived life her way, collecting experiences, sharing laughs, making friends, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of being with others. She leaves behind countless wonderful memories and a reminder to all who knew her: say yes to the adventure, enjoy the moment, and experience it all.