Patricia Jo "Patty" Holvick

Patricia Jo “Patty” Holvick, 81, of Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at St. Agnes Hospital. She was born in Fond du Lac on January 21, 1944, to Harold J. and Ruth I. (Morgan) Marchant. Patty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and community member known for her love of family and sports.

A 1962 graduate of St. Mary’s Springs Academy, Patty earned her Physical Education degree from UW Oshkosh in 1966. That same year, on August 13th, she married Joseph Holvick at St. Joseph’s Church in Fond du Lac. Married for over 50 years, they shared a passion for family and mentoring the youth of our community. They put their heart and soul into expanding the Fond du Lac Youth Baseball Program for 1st – 3rd graders, building a foundation that continues to inspire young athletes. They loved spending time at the family cabin on Fish Lake, relaxing and entertaining friends and family. Joseph preceded Patty in death on December 18, 2016.

Patty’s lifelong passion for sports began in childhood, inspired by a basketball hoop her father installed and their shared time watching games together. She excelled in baseball, often outshining the boys, and carried this enthusiasm into her career. Patty was also an excellent figure skater and ping pong player, crushing all opponents well into her late 70’s.

Patty began her career teaching Physical Education at Woodworth Middle School in 1966. She later taught Phy. Ed and Health at Sabish Middle School from 1989 - 2005. Throughout her career, Patty coached girls’ volleyball and basketball with unwavering commitment, continuing to coach volleyball after retirement. Her coaching style empowered her students to play with confidence and taught them to be effective team players. Outside of athletics, Patty enjoyed lighting up the room and dancing with her husband "Jitter Bug" Joe. She also enjoyed book club, stock club, and bridge club, where her quick wit created lifelong friendships.

Above all, Patty cherished her family. She was a loving mother to her three sons, David, Dan, and Doug, and a doting grandmother to Alyxandra, Aliyah, Emily, and Hawk, always supporting them at their games and recitals with her radiant smile. She pushed all to work hard to succeed but not forget to have fun along the way.

Survivors include her sons, David (Kristy) Holvick, of Glendale, Dan (Stephanie) Holvick of Madison, and Doug Holvick of Milwaukee; grandchildren, Alyxandra, of Glendale, Aliyah of Minneapolis, and Emily, and Hawk, both of Madison; her sister, Nancy Chapman of Villa Rica, GA ; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband.

The family would like to thank the special people who helped care for Patty in her final years: Patty’s Angel’s Viki Rieder, and Bob Felda, as well as the wonderful staff of The Manor, and The Meadows, and the friends who visited her often. We appreciate you more than you’ll know.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Sabish Middle School, 100 North Peters Ave., Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, NOTE: Patty Holvick Memorial.

These will be used to support both girls’ volleyball and basketball equally, honoring her many years of teaching, coaching and mentoring the youth of Fond du Lac.

Visitation for Patty will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Friday, November 21, 2025, at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, in Fond du Lac. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, beginning at 12:00 PM with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery.

“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”

John Wooden

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com