Patricia Mary Catherine Tennessen Wondra, born in Milwaukee on August 3, 1937, to the late Alvin and Rose (Kohl) Tennessen, entered eternal life on March 23, 2026 surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Patricia attended St. Leo’s grade school and Divine Savior Convent High School in Milwaukee. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She obtained a Master of Nursing from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and a Master of Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University. She also earned credits from Divine Savior Junior College, Mount Mary College, and Catholic University of America.

Patricia worked for ten years as an elementary teacher at Holy Name Parish in Wausau, WI; St. Joseph Parish in Cadott, WI; St. Pius X Parish in Wauwatosa, WI; and Saint Mary’s Parish in Landover Hills, Maryland. During this time, she served as a member of the Sisters of the Divine Savior under the name Sister Thomas More.

In 1971, Patricia became a Registered Nurse. As an RN, Patricia worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Dodge County Public Health in Juneau, WI, and Waupun Memorial Hospital in Waupun, WI. Graduating with a master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner, Patricia taught in the schools of nursing at U.W. Oshkosh and Marian College in Fond du Lac, WI. She served the elderly as Assistant Director of Nursing, and later Director of Nursing Service, in three nursing homes. Her heart was in nursing administration.

Patricia chose to be active in her church and was a member of St. Mary’s Mayville. She developed a sex education program and served for seven years as a sex educator teaching “Sex Education for Young Christians.” She also taught both grade school and high school Christian Formation classes for over 20 years. Patricia served her church as a member of the parish council, where she held the positions of Vice President, Secretary, and liaison to the Home and School. She was the first female usher, a Eucharist minister, and a member of the Christian Formation Committee and choir.

Patrica served her Lord through being a Lay member of the Sisters of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians). She made her commitment to the Lord to serve as a Lay Salvation on May 22, 1994.

During her professional life, Patricia was active in the American Nurses Association, the Wisconsin Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau (Nurses) Honor Society, the Wisconsin Director of Nurses Association, and the National Director of Nurses Association. She also served on the Health Issues Committee of the Wisconsin Association of Homes and Services for the Aged.

In service to the Mayville community, Pat became the first female member of the Mayville Lions Club. It was an honor she cherished as it gave her the opportunity to serve those most in need.

On August 21, 1971, Patricia married the love of her life, Albert John Wondra. Together, they first lived in Horicon, WI, for two years. Then, in 1974, they built their family home south of Mayville in the township of Williamstown. Albert and Patricia were the proud parents of six children: Jennifer Lynn Fink (husband Mike Tennessen), Vincent Albert (wife Kelly), Jonathan Albert (wife Melanie Winter), Gregory Albert (wife Heather), Thomas Albert (wife Ashley), and MaryBeth Rose Cole (husband Joseph). They also had 14 grandchildren: Nathan, Tyler, Adam, Samuel, Maddie, Violet, Fearsin, Westley, Elora, Gryffin, Winter, Tyson, Saylor, and Lillian.

Patricia grew up with three siblings: her older brother Alvin (wife Donna), older sister Florence Schoenfeld (partner Morrie), and a younger sister Carole Casamento (husband Joseph).

Patricia was predeceased by her parents, Alvin and Rose Tennessen. Her grandparents, Sabina and Joseph Tennessen, and Anna and John Kohl Sr.; brother Alvin and sister-in-law. Charlotte Tennessen; aunts, uncles, and cousins. Patricia and Albert also buried three miscarried babies.

VISITATION: Patricia’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, March 27, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (302 S. German Street, Mayville, WI, 53050), from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: A Mass of Christian Burial will follow visitation at 12:00 p.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Father Zachary Galante officiating the Mass. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Mayville following Mass.

Memorials may be made to the Lions Club of Mayville, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville, The Sisters of the Divine Savior Retirement Fund, or St. Lawrence Seminary.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Patricia’s Arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.