Edward Patzner Jr.

Edward Patzner Jr., 88, passed away of natural causes at Mayo Hospital in La Crosse, January 13, 2026. He was born in the town of Arcadia, on St. Patrick’s Day, 1937, to Edward Patzner, Sr. and Bernadine (Mimetz) Patzner. Edward graduated from Arcadia High School in 1955. He married the love of his life, DeLaine (Pierzina) Patzner, September 16, 1961, at St. Michael’s church in North Creek. They enjoyed 64 incredible years together.

Shortly after finishing high school, Edward pursued his lifelong passions of agriculture and dairy farming. In 1960, he purchased his first 160 acre dairy farm on Co. Rd. J between Arcadia and Dodge. Over the course of 15 years, he purchased two additional farms nearby and leased a fourth farm, bringing his total operation to 1,000 acres. During his early years of farming, he also worked in construction and for the railroad, which allowed him to keep his initial farm operating during one of the worst droughts in U.S. history (1964), with no rain recorded between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Edward’s love of farming and stewardship of the land resulted in his community electing him to serve on the Trempealeau County Board’s Environment and Land Use Committee for nine years. He also served on various committees of the National Farmers Organization, working toward achieving better market conditions for farmers. Edward was also proud to have received the outstanding Farmer Award from the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. He also enjoyed international travel (e.g., China), watching football, deer and alligator hunting, and tending to his squash and watermelon gardens.

Edward is survived by his wife, DeLaine; children: Randy (Johnette), Rick (Bya), Ross (Sarah) and Roman (Brandon); grandchildren: Alexandre, Vanessa and Colton; and step-grandchildren: Bruno (Amanda) Koehler, Dylan (Ashley) Trim, Megan (Paul) Mortenson, and Brendan Trim. Edward was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Virginia & LaDonna; and brother, John.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Family Catholic Church. Father Kyle Laylan officiated. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Mayo Hospital System in Rochester and La Crosse for the care they provided Edward and his family during the past several months.