Patricia Diane Sass

Pat Sass, age 72, of Neillsville, WI formerly of Chicago, IL died Monday, November 10, 2014 at the Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville.Patricia Diane Sass was born on July 21, 1942 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Edward and Mary (Zokoych) Sass. She graduated from Lakeview High School in Chicago in 1960. In 1961, Pat began her career at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago by landing a non-paying job at the Children's Zoo. In 1962, she talked with the, then, zoo director, R. Marlin Perkins and was named to the post of zoo leader, meaning she was now a paid member of the Lincoln Park Zoo family. Over the years, Pat moved up the zoo hierarchy, becoming an animal keeper and senior keeper. She retired in 1998, after 37 years and moved, with her mother, to Neillsville to be closer to her loving and supportive family.Pat was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville and a former member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Chicago. She had a deep and passionate love of all animals, but especially loved the great apes. She also loved Disney, especially the Seven Dwarfs character "Grumpy", and she was a big fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. Pat was a sweet, kind, generous person who would do anything for anyone at a moment's notice. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.She is survived by a sister, Phyllis Carney of Neillsville, two nieces, Linda (Wally) Pietrzen of Eau Claire, WI and Patricia (Mark Michels) of Colfax, WI, a nephew, James (Kris Baumach) of Hatfield, WI, a great nephew, Cole Lightfoot of Bloomer, WI and a great niece, Allyssa Carney of Hatfield, WI. She was preceded in death by her Parents and a great niece, Amanda Carney.The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Pat will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville. The Celebrant will be Rev. Varkey V. Joseph. Music will be provided by Ronald Resong, organist and St. Mary's Choir. Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Pat's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456