March 11, 1936 - Aug. 14, 2015

Patti was taken home to her Savior with the sounds of angels and He told her she was a faithful and beautiful servant. Patti was born in Butte, Mont., to Patrick and Dorothy Harrington. She married her soul mate, George Wilhelm, on Sept. 5, 1959, at St. Lawrence Church in Butte.

Patti earned her degree in Medical Technology from Marylhurst College, near Portland, Ore. This was the beginning of a lifetime of taking care of those in need. One of her greatest joys was participating in the Boy Scouts of America for 40 years all around the United States.

Her crowning achievement was earning her master's degree in Spirituality from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., studying John the Cross at the age of 65.

She followed Gonzaga Basketball faithfully. Patti's faith was extremely strong and real. She always knew where she was going - home to heaven. Patti taught for many years about her Catholic faith. Her two favorite subjects were Mary and the Lord's Prayer. Patti was part of the RCIA program for most of her life and guided hundreds to the Catholic church and to grow deeper in their faith.

She had been sick on and off for many years, but in her words, "Now I am free." Patti went to our Lord with a golden pass and is celebrating with angels upon her return home. Prayer was core to her existence and she wants us to celebrate her in prayer. Her smile said everything.

Patti is survived by her husband, George; brother Berine and sister LeAnne; and five children and their spouses: Mike Wilhelm (Rebekah), Dan Wilhelm (Nicole), Anna Liebbe (Todd), Suzie Gallo (Rich) and Pete Wilhelm (Tawni). She was extremely proud of and loved with all her heart, her 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Patti wanted us to celebrate her and never to grieve.

The celebration of her life begins with a vigil at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. This will be followed by a Catholic Christian burial Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015 - both at St. Pius X Catholic Parish, 625 E. Haycraft, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815. English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, has been entrusted with the final arrangements.

Please send any gifts and donations to Patti's favorite charity, St. Vincent de Paul, 201 E. Harrison, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814. Celebrate her life. She was loved and will be missed.

Visit Patti's memorial and sign her online guest book at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.