Mary Irene 'Missy' Klopatek

MERCER, Wis. - Mary Irene "Missy" Klopatek (nee Slazas), of Mercer, passed away July 18, 2022, after a 17-year battle with cancer. Her final days were spent at home enjoying her deck and beautiful view, surrounded by family and visiting with friends.

Missy was born May 20, 1962, in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, to Stanley and Judith Slazas.

She married the love of her life, Scott Klopatek, on May 1, 2002.

The pride and joy of her life were her two children, Drake Hunter and April Dawn. Missy's strong will to live, and need to love and take care of her family, drove her to overcome many obstacles.

Missy's love of life and the outdoors led her to enjoy fishing, ice fishing, deer hunting, bow hunting, and turkey hunting. Every trip back from the deer stand had a story.

She also enjoyed planting flowers, gardening, and feeding the birds and other wildlife. She had a passion for cooking, her skills in the kitchen were a special treat.

She looked forward to family trips to Canada fishing, Mexico, Florida, and visiting national parks like Glacier, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and many more.

For many years, Missy took pride in being a hockey mom. She enjoyed everything from traveling to see games and cheering on her children to preparing soups, treats and other foods for the concessions.

Her strength and courage throughout her cancer journey was admired by many. Her kind heart and generous nature touched many lives. She was always willing to go out of her way to help others despite what she was going through. Always smiling, always positive, always loving, she will be missed by many.

Missy is survived by her husband, Scott; son, Drake Hunter; daughter, April Dawn; mother, Judy Slazas; stepmother, Elizabeth Slazas; siblings, Debra (Richard) Vasquez, Michael (Lisa) Slazas and Veronica Slazas; stepsisters, Karen (Jim) Francis and Kimberly Wickman; father-in-law, John H. Klopatek "Pa;" brothers-in-law, Gary (Pat) Klopatek, Randy (Karen) Klopatek and John A. (Mary) Klopatek; sister-in-law, Julie (Jaymie) Fehr; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Stanley Slazas; and mother-in-law, Mary Ann Klopatek.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 29, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Great Northern Hotel, 5070 N. U.S. 51, Mercer.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com.

Nimsgern Funeral and Cremation Services of Woodruff is serving the family.