Patricia Ann Altman Mehr, of Conover, Wisconsin, died Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center in Weston, Wisconsin, of heart failure. She was 83.
Patricia was born on July 13, 1943, at Maxwell Field Air Force Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama, to Dale E. and Mildred C. Altman. The daughter of an Air Force Lt. Colonel, she moved often in her early years. She lived on Long Island, New York, with her parents and brother Carl. During the Korean War, they were stationed in Fukuoka, Japan, at Itazuke Air Base. Later, she lived in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where she graduated from Central High School in 1960 at the age of 16. She spent many summers in Salt Lake City with extended family. She received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Latin from Brigham Young University in 1963.
While at BYU, Patricia met Walter Steven Mehr and they were married in December 1963, at the Manti Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
They began life together in Southern California before coming to the Northwoods in 1967 when her husband took a job at Eagle River Union High School. After a few years in Eagle River, the family moved to Conover, where they made their permanent home.
Patty chose to dedicate her life to being a wife and mother. She raised seven children — six boys and one girl — and took part in all of their activities, driving them where they needed to go, cheering them on, and always being there for them. She loved supporting her children in their activities including hockey, figure skating, baseball, track, dance, band, scouting and church activities. She was an Avon lady, a cub scout den mother, and a devoted hockey mom. Later, as her children grew, she began working nights as a CNA at the Eagle River Healthcare Center and later at K Care Assisted Living, where she had a special way of relating to others. She also helped her daughter Patti balance the demands of motherhood and family life.
Patty loved the beauty of the outdoors and appreciated all of God's creations — the flowers, the birds and other animals, and the changing seasons. She did not care for the cold weather and long winters, but she always found activities to keep busy. She enjoyed sewing, decorating, shopping, watching TV, taking a bubble bath, going to church and serving others.
Her relationship with Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, was the driving force in her life. Her faith and testimony carried her through many trials, including marriage and divorce, disappointments, failures, illness, and the loss of loved ones. As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many callings. Her favorite was teaching Primary, helping young children learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and becoming more self-reliant. Whether with a telemarketer, a repairman, a store clerk, or one of her children's teachers, she was always willing to share the light and love of Jesus Christ, along with her faith and testimony, hope for the future, and love for all.
Patty was trustworthy, kind, smart, beautiful, and wise. She was loved by all as a mother, grandmother, primary teacher, visiting teacher, neighbor and friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Carl W. Altman; her former spouse, Walter S. Mehr; and her son, Dale S. Mehr.
Patricia is survived by her sons David (RaDawn), Daniel (Maureen), Douglas (Connie), Dennis (Stacie), and Donald (Elizabeth); her daughter, Patricia Zwolinski (John); her daughter-in-law Kimberly; 24 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Visitation for Patricia was held on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM, with services following at 2:00 PM, all at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 780 Iverson Street in Rhinelander. Burial will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM MST in the Riverside Cemetery in Riverside, Utah. You may leave your private condolences for the Mehr family at www.carlsonfh.com.
