Patricia "Pat" Hertlein

Patricia, Pat, Hertlein, 69, of Phillips, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle against cancer. Born in Chicago, IL to Alfred and Maryjane Kozar, she grew up in Cicero and attended Morton East school until moving to Phillips her junior year and graduating from Phillips High in 1973. It was in school she met Carl Hertlein and later married him on December 28, 1973. Together they had two daughters.

For many years, Pat worked as a private assistant at Waverly Corporation before becoming a travel assistant at Odyssey Travel. In 1994, she went to work at BW Papersystems where she eagerly retired from in 2017 after 23 years!

When she wasn’t at home training her cat, Socks, to sit and shake, reading or watching true crime and hallmark movies, you could find Pat out fishing, or standing behind her camera ready to capture life’s greatest moments. In the summers, she loved camping out at Solberg with her husband or traveling during their retirement when they could. 

Second in life’s favorites, after Socks were her grandkids. She beamed with pride when discussing their accomplishments. She loved spending time with them, taking them on trips, big or small, or just hanging out. She couldn’t have been more proud of all of them! More recently, she enjoyed babysitting her great grandkids.

Everyone who knew Pat said she was one of the strongest women they have ever met. She handled the last five years with such positivity and grace. She will be deeply missed

Pat is survived by her husband of 50 years, Carl. Daughters, Kathy (Steve) Haberman, and Deanna (Peter) Hertlein. Sister, Karyn (Dave) Olson. Grandkids, Christian (Nicole), Alex (Cole), Dakota, and AnnaMarie. Great grandkids, Charlotte and Oliver, along with many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, sister Kathy Kozar and brother Jim Kozar.

Heindl-Nimsgern funeral & cremation is assisting the family with services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.