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By Shannon Hayes, Agri-View Managing Editor
The following story appeared in the January 6, 2011 edition of Agri-View and is reprinted here with permission
We are in short supply in this world of people with a clear vision for what's most important, combined with tenaciousness and the pluck to lead and make a difference.
Patty Endres had that trifecta of qualities, along with a host of others. She lived 47 years. She loved her husband, Dave. She loved their three children, Mitchell, Sydney and Vinny. And she loved agriculture.
A heart transplant recipient nine years ago, Patty understood clearly that each day is a gift and she set out to make a difference with each of those days.
“When she saw an opportunity to improve something she pursued it,” says Daphne Holterman. Daphne and her husband, Lloyd, got to know Patty through the Outstanding Young Farmer Program that Daphne coordinates through Jaycees. Daphne says Patty had a unique style of leadership that was engaging. “She made it so fun to be involved.”
Daphne says she admired Patty's vivacious approach to life. “She was devoted to her family and her farm—in that order. She had a vision and she worked to make that vision happen.”
The Endres family operates a 750-cow Jersey farm near Lodi . When they were researching their idea to switch from Holsteins to Jerseys nearly 20 years ago, they made a visit to Marion and Bill Barlass's herd near Janesville .
“You could see they had a strong initiative to learn and a passion for farming,” Marion says. She got to know Patty over the years through their mutual interest in Jerseys , and along with Daphne, their involvement in the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW).
“She took every opportunity to do the things she thought needed to be done, though her health sometimes told her otherwise.” Marion says. “She was ferocious about it. She embraced every opportunity to educate and was determined to let people know about dairy.”
Patty combined her knowledge of the dairy industry with her background as a registered dietician to educate about and advocate for agriculture.
“Her passion for life was evident. She was a great mom to those kids and they knew she loved them. She had a lot she was willing to give,” Marion says.
Participating in last summer's U.S. Transplant Games, held in Madison , Patty was interviewed by a local television station and shared her thoughts on the gratitude she felt for her second chance at life. “How do you thank someone?” she said. “They've lost someone very dear to them and my only thoughts and words I could give to them was that I would do my very best to take care of this gift. This gift of life to me is...I can't explain it. I got to see my first child graduate last year. Every milestone my kids make is just a joy and a pleasure for both my husband and me,” Patty said.
Patty gave her time to many organizations and committees. Most recently she served on the PDPW board, was a member of the Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) Council, and the American Jersey Cattle Association's national convention committee.
“Patty was an engaging, passionate leader who was intentional about contributing to the industry that she and her family dedicated their lives to,” says Shelly Mayer, PDPW executive director. “PDPW and the entire industry will forever miss this zestful advocate that was bold enough to stand up for what she believed and so bright in knowing what to dedicate her life to.”
Patricia Lynn Endres, age 47, died on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010 , at a Madison Hospital .
The former Patricia Nelson was born on March 17, 1963 , to Milo and Frances Nelson. Patty graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1981 and than attended the University of Wisconsin and received a degree in dietetics. She married David C. Endres in 1986 and they began farming in the Lodi area. Patty was an outstanding cook and loved cooking and baking and catering parties. She was known for making any dish a niece or nephew might request and would prepare food for team dinners and the FFA banquets.
Nine years ago, Patricia received a heart transplant and considered every day a gift and was determined to make every moment the best for her husband and children. She was very active in farming and her children's activities. She was a board member for the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, coached soccer, was active in 4-H and was voted with her husband as Outstanding Young Farmer in 2000 and National Outstanding Young Farmer in 2001. She was also a finalist in the Alice in Dairyland competition.
Following her surgery she became an advocate for organ donation and walked for the Heart Association and helped raise funds for Cancer research.
Survivors include her husband, Dave; three children, Vincent, Sydney and Mitchell; her parents, Milo and Frances Nelson; four sisters, Pamela (Paul) Anderson, Nancy (John) Quirk, Jeanne (John) Shearer and Karen (David) DeLoof; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Nicholas and Josephine Fiore, and Otto and Anna Nelson.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may send it to Patty's family, in care of Dave Endres (W9402 County Road K, Lodi WI 53555 ). Her family plans to take some time to think about the best options for memorials before deciding what Patty would have most appreciated. This column appeared in Agri-View on 01/06/11 and is posted here with permission.
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