Patricia "Pat" (Stowell) Joseph age 71 of Richland Center, passed away on September 14, 2011. Born on March 17, 1940, in Vernon County to George and Agnes D. (Knadle) Stowell, Pat grew up on the family farm near Yuba, Wisconsin. She loved helping her father on the farm and would do anything from driving the tractor to doing chores. Pat graduated from West Lima School as Salutatorian of her class in 1958, and was selected to be the recipient of the annual DAR good citizen award. Following graduation, Pat married her high school sweetheart, Darwin L. Joseph on June 21, 1958, and began work in Richland Center. Following the birth of their two children, Pat managed a babysitting service in their home, and transitioned to full-time office work once the children started school. She worked in a variety of industries throughout the years, retiring from a role in banking. Pat was a loving and devoted mother, and provided a wonderful home for her family. Together they enjoyed traveling, camping, boating, water-skiing and snowmobiling. And she volunteered her time for many of the children's activities including scouting. As an active community member, Pat was proud to be nominated for the "CAROL" service award for leadership. She was involved in Sunday school programs and served as Church Memorial Treasurer. She participated in the Red Hat Society, card clubs, Moped Club, Camping Club and the Snowmobile Club. Throughout her life, she volunteered for many activities from caring for community gardens to delivering Meals on Wheels. Pat was a self-taught pianist, and served as accompanist for many music competitions for middle school students. Pat and Darwin lived in Richland Center for 25 years where they raised their children Jeffrey and Janell. In later years, they built a home in Richland Township, where she loved flower and vegetable gardening and making maple syrup. She was a Garden Club member and earned certification as a Master Gardener. She enjoyed outdoors activities and hunting with her husband, and cooking and entertaining with family and friends. While raising their family, Pat enjoyed traveling the U.S. and when their daughter was in college in Wales, they traveled abroad to Great Britain. In later years, Pat and Darwin made trips to Europe and China with friends. She greatly enjoyed dancing with her husband throughout their five decades of marriage, making many good friends on the Polka Dancing circuit throughout the Midwest. Pat was very proud of her four grandchildren and loved spending time with them. During her brave battle with cancer over the past two years, she completed beautiful handmade quilts for each of her grandchildren as a remembrance gift. Pat always kept a smile on her face, continuing to bring joy and a positive attitude to the family. Even in her last days, she had more concern about her family than herself. Pat's children would like to recognize the commitment of their father, who provided care and nurturing throughout the course of her illness. And the entire family thanks the many, many family members and friends who provided support, friendship and care throughout her illness. Pat is survived by her husband Darwin, of 53 years, and her children, Jeffrey (Gloria) Joseph of Viola, and Janell (Bruce) Siegfried of Minneapolis. Grandchildren include Joshua and Jacob Joseph, and Adam and Scott Siegfried. She is also survived by her sister Shirley (Don) Goplin of Richland Center, and sister-in-law Bridget Stowell of Hillsboro and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents George and Agnes Stowell, a brother Jim Stowell and a niece Michelle Stowell. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 11:30 A.M. at Trinity United Methodist Church. Pastor Bill Busch will officiate with burial in the Richland Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. The Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.