Patricia Tomaselli

TOMASELLI, Patricia R. (Fenske) loved by so many, passed away on January 5, 2026. Born March 1, 1940, in Germania, Wisconsin, she was the only daughter of Allen and Vivian Fenske. At the time of her birth, her dad was the only police officer in Marquette County, Wisconsin, who later became a state patrol officer. Patricia grew up in Baraboo, graduated from high school in 1957, attended UW-Madison, married Louis Tomaselli (also in law enforcement), and had three children, Gina, Jodi and Anthony. Once her children graduated, Patricia went back to school and became a registered nurse, working for Sauk County as a home health nurse, dispensing care for the entire county. She was passionate about working with the Native Americans in the area, teaching them about nutrition and health. 

Patricia is survived by her children, Gina (Brad) Nygren, Jodi Tomaselli (Tim Gloeckler) and Anthony (Lori) Tomaselli. Grandchildren are Shane (Alina) Wedekind, Ryan Wedekind, Olivia (Jed) Aspley, Antonia Tomaselli, Christina and Clarissa Nygren. Four great grandchildren, Sophia, Nolan, Nora, and Miles. 

Patricia will always be remembered for being intelligent, gentle, and loving. Nonna to her grandchildren, she doted on every one of them. Everyone who knew Patricia knew her children and grandchildren came first. She enjoyed painting with watercolors, interior decorating, spending time with close friends, and gardening. She became very knowledgeable about native plants and prairies. 

 After passing, a note was found that she wrote before her dementia worsened. It’s an excerpt of the Native American prayer by Robin Drummond. 

 “For My Children Whom I Love Dearly: 

I give you this one thought to keep – I am with you still. I do not sleep. 

I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond that glints on the snow, I am the soft stars that shine at night. 

Do not think of me as gone. I am with you still, in each new dawn.” 

Patricia always said when she got old, to put her in a canoe and send her down the river, so in lieu of a funeral, her ashes will be scattered in Spring Green where she loved living the last several years of her life. 

O Lord, let perpetual light shine on her.