Patricia Frey

Patricia L. Frey (Nee Senkel) of Greenfield found peace on February 16, 2024, at the age of 80. Beloved wife of 59 years of Richard Frey. Loving mother of Lisa (Pamala) Frey, Jennifer (Michael) Lisser, and Jonathan (Sharon) Frey. Proud grandmother of Ryan, Ellen and Calvin Lisser, and Ava Frey. She is also survived by her sisters Judith Bredeweg, Vernette (Kenneth) Kureck, Suzanne (Michael) Andrysczyk, and Yvonne (Ronald) Monfils and sisters-in-law Kathleen (Gerald) Heck and Barb (Donald) Hilbert. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Jeanette Senkel, her sister Alice Hilbert and her in-laws Leslie and Elenor Frey. Further survived by many nieces and nephews and their spouses, great-nieces and nephews, and many dear friends with whom she enjoyed playing cards, laughing, and learning all the details of what was going on in their lives. Pat was born September 5, 1943, in Milwaukee, WI to Jeanette and Vernon Senkel. She was 3rd in a family of 6 girls. Growing up in a busy house with one bathroom she learned to take turns, to help out by doing her chores, and to put family and church above everything else. While growing up her family regularly attended Trinity Evangelical and Reformed Church. It was here, in her confirmation class, where she met the love of her life, Richard Frey. Pat graduated from Custer High School in 1962. Richard and Pat married on December 26, 1964. They bought their house, in which they still live, in 1968 in the City of Greenfield, WI. A couple of months after purchasing their house, they started their family. Pat loved her three kids, Lisa, Jenny and Jon, and was extremely proud of the adults they have become. In 1972 they joined Greendale Community United Church of Christ and have been dedicated members ever since. Throughout the years their church family has been a wonderful source of friendship, support, and life enrichment. Pat worked at Globe Union until she became a mom. Once the kids were older, she began working part-time at the Southridge Mall Boston Store where she started in domestics but then moved to women's shoes when she realized she could make more money.  Her friendly demeanor and dedication to good service made her a great saleswoman. She took pride in finding the best fit for her customers, and in her final days was still complimenting strangers on their shoes. After many years in shoes at Boston Store and then Richard N's at Mayfair Mall, in 1998 Pat left sales and worked as a receptionist at MATC until retirement in June 2013. Again, her friendliness shone. She truly enjoyed talking with and helping the students. Pat loved the outdoors and supported environmental causes. She and Richard enjoyed tent camping and they instilled the love of camping into their children. As the leader of her daughters' Girl Scout troop for over 10 years, Pat also taught many young ladies the love of camping. The grand finale of her GS leadership was a two-week camping trip to Wyoming. 12 people, 3 tents, 1 passenger van - an amazing, memorable experience. Pat also loved being a Grandma and felt blessed to have Ryan, Ellen, Calvin and Ava in her life. She enjoyed babysitting when they were young, but only if all toy snakes were completely hidden.  As soon as they were old enough, she got out the cards and taught them Go Fish. "Grandma Frey" never wanted to miss a concert or theater production any of the kids participated in. When she had time to herself, Pat enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, where every plant was given a chance, going out with her friends in The St. Margaritas Guild, participating in church events, and talking. Phone calls with her sisters or friend Rita could last for hours. She was a self-proclaimed "Professional Paper Piler" and those who know her, know about "Patty time", as she was often running late. Pat struggled with many health issues over the past several years. Her body was worn out and she was ready to move on. Her family takes comfort in the fact that she is now in a better place, free from pain and suffering. She wants you to know that she did her best. She said, "Don't cry for me. I've lived a full life." As we say goodbye to Pat, we celebrate a life well-lived. Her spirit will continue to inspire us to love family with all our heart, to get outside and enjoy nature, and to take time to play cards and laugh. She will be deeply missed, but the memories she created will be treasured forever by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Special thanks to Bonnie, Michelle and Linda whose compassionate care made it possible for Pat to live at home this past year. A Celebration of Life will be held at Greendale Community Church (6015 Clover Ln, Greendale, WI) on Thursday, April 4th. Visitation from 2:00 PM until time of service at 4:00 PM. A private interment will take place at Wauwatosa Cemetery.