Patricia "Pat" R Braasch

Patricia (Pat) R Braasch, 76, passed away on November 12, 2024.

Pat was born on July 29, 1948, to Milton and Doris (nee Cottrell) Braasch in West Allis, WI. She graduated from Greendale High School, then attended the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis on physical education. She later went on to obtain a master’s degree from Ohio State University. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Pat served two years in the US Army and Amy Reserve, spending most of that time stationed at Fort Knox, KY. Upon separation from the Reserves with the rank of 1st Lieutenant, Pat moved to Ohio and served with the Ohio National Guard. While serving, she had the opportunity to accompany several senior officers on a helicopter ride to return a battle flag to the state of Alabama which had been captured during the Civil War.

For 30 years, Pat worked with several school systems from Cincinnati to Columbus as a physical education teacher for mentally and physically handicapped students. She was innovative in her teaching and loved interacting with her students. Teaching these special students encouraged her to get involved in Special Olympics and often volunteered at the various events held to benefit this organization.

One of her passions was the outdoors and she spent as much time outside as she could. She enjoyed teaching ropes courses which helped groups of people learn how to trust each other to complete a course. Her love of outdoors also showed in the joy she found in skiing, hiking, taking her nieces and nephews to theme parks, camping or the zoo. It was also evident in the time she spent with the many dogs she loved over the years. Pat traveled extensively across the United States with her last trip being to Alaska where she celebrated her 75th birthday.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Dr. Michael Braasch, and a nephew, Donald Hasson. She is survived by her sister, Cheryl Hasson Rushton (Steve), an uncle, Jerry Cottrell, her sister-in-law, Soo Braasch, nephew Jared Hasson (Melinda), nieces Marie Chelberg (Chris) and Mindy Shutza, great nieces Caroline and Lexi Hasson, great nephews Warren and Lucas Hasson and many cousins.

There will be no funeral or memorial service.