Patricia A. Veleke

Madison -- Patricia A. Veleke, age 66, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2010, at UW Hospital. She was born on September 14, 1944 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Eyolf and Ruth (Howison) Hansen. She graduated from West High School in 1962 and attended UW-Madison for a bachelor's and master's degrees in Education. She spent 34 years teaching at Hoyt, Mendota, Van Hise, and Aldo Leopold Elementary schools in the Madison School District. She was a life-long member of Bethel Lutheran Church and served as a Sunday school teacher, greeter, and communion deacon. She enjoyed reading, cross stitching, knitting, tutoring first graders, stamping greeting cards, and participating in the Metropolitan Stamping and Crafting groups. Her greatest passions were her family and traveling. She was especially proud that she visited over 60 countries in her life time.

Pat is survived by her husband, Larry Veleke; sister, Susan Hiscox of Whitewater; niece, Erika Hiscox of Chicago, IL; nephew, Ryan Hiscox also of Chicago, IL; step-daughters, Debbe (Tracy) Tipping of Round Rock, TX, and Michelle (Randy) Evans of Tulsa, OK; and Step-grandchildren, Gerrit Tipping and Lily Evans.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eyolf and Ruth (Howison) Hanson and brother-in-law, Myron R. Hiscox.

Funeral services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Curtis Everson officiating. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday, from 10:30 a.m. until time of service.

The family would like to thank the staff of UW Hospital for the care they provided to Patricia.  It is Patricia's expressed wish that NO FLOWERS be sent and donations be made to Bethel Media Ministry, Bethel Food Pantry, or your local food pantry.