Patricia "Patty" Joan Gries, 67, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on September 1, 1957, in Marshfield, she was the daughter of the late Neal and Darlene Fehrenbach. She graduated from Sheboygan South High School and became a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother in the following years. In 1978, she married Randy Gries, her childhood friend since the age of 4, and together they raised five children.

She is survived by her husband, Randy; five children, Elizabeth (Ben) Michiels, Benjamin (Heather) Gries, Ryan (Gina) Gries, Nicholas (Tianna) Gries, and Ann (Brian) Martin; fifteen grandchildren, Claudia Martin, Madeline Michiels, Mikayla Michiels, Kennedy Martin, Marlow Michiels, Rowyn Martin, Rayn Gries, Jefferson Martin, Phoenix Gries, Silas Martin, Benjamin Michiels, Jayla Gries, Ciara Gries, Coralie Gries, and Oliviette Gries.

She is also survived by her siblings, Rae Gilbertson, Kay Kuznacic, Wayne Fehrenbach, Mike Fehrenbach, Jean Gallimore, and Neal William Fehrenbach, and a very large extended family.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Darlene and Neal Fehrenbach, and her younger brother Jim Fehrenbach.

As the matriarch of her family, one of Patty's most significant and lasting contributions was her sincere belief that every person in her family is a unique individual who should be celebrated and appreciated for exactly who they are. She never expected conformity to family standards, but rather, found ways to make each person feel like they could grow into whomever they were and whomever they were becoming. Her support, along with Randy's, has meant that her kids and grandchildren have all found their own ways in life, but still found their connection to each other, supported by her love. She was profoundly proud of her entire family, embracing each of them fully, flaws and all.

Patty was deeply passionate about her grandchildren. Her favorite things included baking with them, playing with them, but mostly, simply being in their presence and the energy of cousins playing, or making Rice Krispie treats.

Patty found great joy in simple, everyday things of life, like the subtle burn of the first sip of Dr. Pepper, the creamy richness of chocolate ice cream, or a rousing game of Canasta. She loved The Sound of Music, both the movie and the soundtrack, and enjoyed its melodies even in her final days. She even took her last breaths to the last few notes of "So Long, Farewell" in a beautifully poetic moment.

The family has long enjoyed sharing a special message with each other: I love you "as big as the sky, and the sky never ends," later abbreviated to ABATSATSNE. This made-up and frequently-used word was one of Patty's favorites, and demonstrates her love, support, and encouragement for her entire family. She will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Pfotenhauer Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Howard-Suamico, 1145 Cardinal Lane, with a prayer service to follow.

Visitation will continue Wednesday, June 25 from 10:00 - 11:00AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (2597 Glendale Ave, Green Bay, WI -- entrance directly across from the BP gas station) with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/sjbhparish . She will be laid to rest at St. John's Cemetery in Howard.

In place of flowers, contributions to help with funeral costs are welcome. Patty always preferred laughter over lilies - and flowers never quite agreed with her sinuses.