Patricia “Pattie” R. Wells

FENNIMORE – Patricia “Pattie” R. Wells, age 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. Pattie was born on March 7, 1948; the daughter of Russell and Eileen (Huffman) Fordney.

Pattie graduated from Fennimore High School in 1966 and remained a pillar in the community for the rest of her life. She was part owner and operator of The Cottonwood Supper Club for over 30 years, starting in 1972. During this time, Pattie forged many friendships that she carried with her throughout her life. She was a lifelong active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, participating on the board and various committees over the years while also singing in the choir.

In her younger years, Pattie was an excellent bowler as a member of the varsity bowling team at what was then La Crosse State University and in league play with friends here in Fennimore. As soon as the golf course opened each season, you would find her with a number of her closest friends on the course or off to a golf outing in a nearby community. She was also a fan of Fennimore sports, often selling tickets at the entry and cheering the teams on from the stands.

Pattie loved to travel. She had wonderful times with family and friends all over (and occasionally outside) the country, including recent trips to Hawaii and Alaska, and fun adventures over the years in places like New York City, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Nashville, to name a few.

In addition to her love of sports and travel, she was actively involved with the Fennimore Scholarship Foundation, Senior Recognition banquets, and served on the Grant County Cancer Coalition board for many years.

Pattie had a huge heart and always put others before herself. She was very devoted to her own family, but she also opened her heart to so many in the community, considering them as family too. She loved taking her son John and his friends (her “Boys”) on different adventures or just having them hang out in her home.

In October 2003, Pattie’s life changed greatly with the birth of her granddaughter, Rebecca. Oh, how she loved that girl! She cherished every moment with her, especially baking, decorating and eating cookies together.

Pattie had a zest for life that shone brightly in everything she did. She was known for her “Birthday Shoutouts” on Facebook and never missed a friend’s birthday, even as her health declined.

Pattie is survived by her son, John (Patti) Wells Jr.; granddaughter, Rebecca Wells; brother, Mike (Norma) Fordney; sisters, Joy (Mike) Baker and Dixie Bock; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lynn Fordney; and sister, Lory Fordney.

In lieu of plants and flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Fennimore Community Scholarship Foundation in her memory. Donations can be made at:

Fennimore Community Scholarship Foundation, Inc.
1397 9th Street
Fennimore, WI 53809.

Donations may also be made to the Grant County Cancer Coalition in Pattie's name at: www.grantcountycancerco.org.