Patrick Laverne Schmelzer

Sun Prairie-Patrick Laverne Schmelzer, age 78, passed away at St. Mary's Hospital following a brief illness.  He was born February 3, 1931 in Avoca, the son of Roy and Baptista (Dolan) Schmelzer.  Pat was united in marriage to Marie Kosharek on March 27, 1951.  He served in the US Army from 1951-1953.   Pat worked at Oscar Mayer in transportation for 39 years and he especially enjoyed transporting the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile to special events across the country.  He was a proud member of UFCW Local 538.  During retirement, Pat enjoyed his 16 years driving for Truck Country.  He enjoyed spending time with family, racing and westerns.  Pat is survived by his wife, Marie of 58 years, children Rick (Pam) of Sun Prairie, Linda Bollig of Sun Prairie, Ken of Madison, Karen (Duane) Schmelzer Tamminga of DeForest, Jerry of Madison, Michael of Sun Prairie and Nancy (Gary) Schmelzer-Scott of Sun  Prairie;  grandchildren, Matt, Jason (Vesa), Crystal (Justin), Kelly (Justin), Chad, Ryan (Morgan), Candi, Kassi, Jessica, MiKayla and Nick; great-grandson, William; and step-great grandchildren Alex, Chandler and Madelyn all who held a very special place in Grandpa's heart.  He is also survived by his brothers, Bob (Darlene) of Madison, Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer of Verona, Jake (Rosemary) of Highland, his sisters LaVon Vorndran of Verona, Suzette Yager of Mineral Point, Patsy Pustina of Highland, brothers-in-law, Delbert Kosharek of Avoca, David Kosharek of Madison and many nieces and nephews.  Pat was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Doug Bollig, brothers-in-law Louie Yager and Norbert Pustina, sisters-in-law Bonnie Kosharek and Marjorie Kosharek.  A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 on Monday, July 6, 2009 at Sacred Heart's of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 221 Columbus Street, Sun Prairie with Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer presiding and Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt concelebrating.  A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 parish vigil service at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie on Sunday, July 5, 2009 and on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Burial will be at Sacred Heart's Cemetery, Sun Prairie.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.  The family would like to thank St. Mary's Hospital MICU staff for their compassion and loving care .  ""We will love and hold you in our hearts forever.""   Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie (608) 837-9054 www.cressfuneralservice.com