Patricia Sue Cruse, 74, Whitewater, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024.
Pat was born on June 11, 1950 in Chicago, IL to Raymond and Mary (Ziliak) Foote. She graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, IL and from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Elementary Counseling. She started her career as a teacher and elementary counselor in the Mukwonago school district. Pat met Randy Cruse at a fraternity party and quickly knew they would spend their lives together. They married on January 23, 1971.
Six months later, together, they took a risk and opened a restaurant – Randy’s Supper Club. While Randy’s name was on the front door, there was little doubt that Pat was a driving force behind the restaurant’s long-term success. Tuesday through Sunday Pat was elegantly dressed, greeting patrons and seamlessly entertaining hundreds of guests. She spent her Mondays creating special memories with her family. Randy’s was the location of many happy memories for Pat, Randy and the surrounding community for 43 years.
Pat’s commitment to the community and her alma mater continued outside the restaurant, earning her the Distinguished Service Award and induction into the UW-Whitewater Hall of Fame. Pat enjoyed cocktail hour, practical jokes and sunset cruises on the lake with her “capitan,” earning her the title “Director of Late Night Fun.” Pat was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018 and battled the ultimately fatal disease with her final two years residing at Glenwood Memory Care in Whitewater. Randy was by her side when she finally succumbed to the disease.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years Randy; daughters Kristina (Mike) Sobolewski, Whitewater, Stacey (Dan) Barrins, Northfield, IL; grandchildren Matt, Kelsy, Lillian, Everly, and Vincent. She was preceded in death by her parents. Randy and the rest of the family want to thank the staff at Glenwood for their compassionate and loving care through this difficult journey. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Pat’s life that will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 5:00 pm at 841 Brewhouse in Whitewater.
Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
