Patricia Ness

Patricia C. Ness, aged 95 of Eau Claire, passed away with her family by her side on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Patricia was born on October 27, 1929, in Ladysmith to the late Christopher and Edna (Sharpless) Gourdoux.

While she was in college, she met the love of her life, Raymond Ness(deceased). They would marry before she graduated with a bachelor's degree in education and a minor in music. Patricia taught 2nd and 3rd grades at Sam Davey Elementary and then at Manz Elementary Schools. She loved her students, and they loved her back. Often, former students would approach her in public, addressing her as Mrs. Ness and recalling incidents that were meaningful to them.

She was a spunky and energetic woman, adored by her grandchildren. She was fair game for their shenanigans, but she had her own bucket full of mischief that she readily played upon them. Her hobbies included time spent outdoors walking her dogs and gardening, beating grandchildren in backgammon and attending any and all of the local sporting events in which her grandchildren participated.

Patricia and Ray were members of Grace Lutheran Church where they were married in 1950. In the later years of her life, she attended Trinity Lutheran Church.

Survivors are her daughters: Sherry (John Wenum) Ness-Wenum and Vicki Tessendorf (Dave Meyer); grandchildren: Catherine (Jeffrey Dix), Jessica (Stephen Frei); Thomas (Erin) Tessendorf, Aaron (Larken) Tessendorf; great-grandchildren: Genevieve and Amelia Dix; Aiden and Evelyn Frei; Addy, Eli, (Aaron Tessendorf), and Audrey, Luke, Natalie (Thomas Tessendorf)

Graveside services will be held at Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire on Tuesday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor David Irgens officiating.

The family of Pat Ness would like to thank St. Croix Hospice and Heritage Memory Care for the excellent and loving care they gave Mom and those who loved her. We would also like to recognize Trinity Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, for providing ministerial care for her during the time she spent in Wissota Place and Heritage Memory Care. Memorials can be directed to either of those wonderful care-providers.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.