Obituary for Patricia Potts

Patricia D. Potts (nee Mikkelson) passed from this life after a courageous battle with uterine cancer on Monday, August 28, 2023, at her home with her loving family. She was born on November 23, 1948, to Lawrence & Eileen (Nundahl) Mikkelson at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, WI. Growing up as the fifth in a family of ten children brought many responsibilities into her life at a young age.

Patricia graduated from Viroqua High School in 1966 and went on to graduate from the Winona Secretarial School, and further accounting classes at La Crosse’s WWTC. Accounting turned out to be her passion and she worked in that capacity for the City of Viroqua Utilities, TranStar in Waupaca, Gundersen Clinic Foundation, and finalizing her career and retiring from Tostrud & Temp public accounting firm in La Crosse.

Patricia married Roger Potts on September 16, 1967, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua, WI, and to that union of 56 years were born two beautiful children, Haylee & Kevin. Raising and loving them was the center of her life. Because of her accounting background, she diligently took care of her family’s financial affairs and that of other family members who became dependent in their older years. She taught Sunday School during the years her children were growing, was active in church circle, helped with communion services, altar ministry, and faithfully served and provided for the funerals of fellow church members and their families. She also served on the board of Habitat for Humanity – La Crosse.

Her social conscience that led to her political support of those in government that supported and promoted the equality and care of all was galvanized by her belief in the teachings of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Patricia’s grandbabies (always ‘grandbabies’ no matter their age) brought her more joy than could ever be measured…her words. Upon retiring she, along with Roger, eagerly helped care for their 2 nd youngest grandchild, Jaxton, while his parents worked. All the while wishing they would have been free from work to do the same for all 6 of their grandbabies. Nothing made Grandma “Mimi” and Grandpa “Bumpa” happier than having their house filled with the laughter and chatter of those youngsters when they would visit. Babies were always welcomed for cuddling and cooing in the arms of this loving grandma. Patricia expressed to many that witnessing her children become the best parents ever brought her unending happiness.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Roger, and children, Haylee Foster, Guyton, Georgia, and Kevin (Becky) Potts of La Crosse, WI; grandchildren Mason & Jaxton of La Crosse, WI, and Paris, Aspen, & Carson of Guyton, Georgia. In addition, she is survived by 3 sisters, Elaine DeWitt, Cheryl (John) Nelson, and Vicki Christianson and 3 brothers, Randy Mikkelson, Kurt Mikkelson, and Kent (Renae) Mikkelson. Also in-laws Andy (Shirley) Potts, Myrna Bailey, Robert (Gail) Potts, and many nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Lawrence & Eileen, and precious randbaby, Jasper Potts; her in-laws Loyd & Lula Potts; brothers Arden & Charles Mikkelson, sister Bonnie Bousman, and nephews Jerry & Jason Mikkelson and Carter & Carson Mikkelson and many relatives including Jerry DeWitt, Norman Bousman, Lonnie Christianson, Melvin & Esther Potts, Elaine Potts, Orland Potts, Oliver & Joan Potts, Gordon & Donnie Bailey, Ruth Potts, Camilla Grimme.

May you rest in peace and love with our Lord, Patricia. We will miss your love and kindness.

The family is assisted by Fredrickson Funeral Home and visitation services will be from 5pm – 7pm on Wednesday, August 30 th . Funeral services will be at 11:00am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church ELCA, Mormon Coulee, La Crosse, WI, on Thursday, August 31 st officiated by Pastor Harald Bringsjord.

Internment following services at Mormon Coulee Cemetery Mausoleum. In Lieu of flowers, Patricia’s wish is that any memorials may be given to Coulee Bank in La Crosse set up for growing the education funds of her grandbabies. Special thank you to the caring staff at Gundersen Health Systems for the kindness and compassion given to Patricia and her family, especially the Oncology department and Hospice team.