Patricia Kniskern, age 71, of Gladstone, died Saturday afternoon March 25, 2006 at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk, WI following a courageous battle with cancer.

Patricia was born in Clay Center, Kansas on May 3, 1934, the daughter of Kenneth and Margery Beeber. She was raised in Wausau, WI and attended and graduated from the Wausau High School. Pat lived many years in Wausau where she was employed for approximately 20 years for the Employers Insurance Company. In 1969, Pat moved to Tomahawk, WI. and eventually relocated to Gladstone in 1973. Pat married Arthur Kniskern and together the couple remained in Gladstone where they made their home. Pat was employed for many years at the Menard’s Store in Escanaba. She also volunteered many hours of her time to the Foster Grandma Program at the Jones Elementary School. In addition to being a wonderful mother to her children, Pat was also known as a mother figure, often called “Mom”, by the friends that her children made. She was a member of All Saints Church in Gladstone and her hobbies included playing scrabble, knitting and making crafts.

Survivors include:

One son: Ken (Mary) Chaignot of Gladstone, MI

One daughter: Debbie (Dave) Hetzel of Tomahawk, WI

One step-daughter: Donna (Ron) Timenon of Floodwood, MN

One brother- Rodger (Karen) Beeber of Tomahawk, WI

7 Grandchildren: Jeff Timenon of MN, Scott (Kelly) Searle of Knoxville, TN, Heidi (John) Enzenroth of Wausau, WI, Jacob Hetzel of WI, Adam Chaignot of East Lansing, MI, Amy Chaignot of Gladstone, MI, Ben Hetzel of Tomahawk, WI.

2 Great Grandchildren: Maddison Searle of Knoxville, TN and Croix Enzenroth of Wausau, WI

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a great nephew, Mathew Beeber. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. at the All Saints Church in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial Services celebrating the life of Patricia Kniskern will follow at 11:30 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Foster Grandparent Program, Christopher Reeve Foundation or the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the All Saints Church or at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.