Obituary for Patricia "Patti" Hall-Sprain

“I jump over pain with JOY.” - Patti

Patti was born August 15, 1953, in La Crosse, to Justin and Dorothy Hall the 5th of 8 children. Patti was one of many kids who attended the “one” room schoolhouse in Smith Valley, which was just a short walk from the family farm. There was no shortage of journal entries describing whippoorwills, fireflies, bailing hay, sunsets, farm animals, the milk house and long walks that fulfilled the farm kids life. Patti was always so proud to be raised in Smith Valley where deep family roots began in the early 1800’s. The Hall family moved to West Salem in 1965. West Salem was a new adventure and Patti danced and sang her way into a new school, friends, musicals, singing, cheerleading and drama.

Patti met her husband Thomas Sprain and they married September 17, 1971.

Patti and Tom welcomed 4 children: Angela, Timothy, Melissa and Benjamin. In 1975 they moved to the edge of town in the brick house on the hill and then moved into town in 1984. Patti was very involved in the West Salem Presbyterian Church serving on Christian Education, singing in the choir, directing dramas, musicals and bible study. Patti enjoyed dancing and taught Middle Eastern Dance classes at the YMCA where she met lifelong friends.

As an actress, Patti was awarded the Dionysis award at the Community Theater of La Crosse in 1973. She participated in Community Theater productions with her children, friends and family. Her last production was Les Miserable with her grandson, Abie, in 2013. Patricia directed and supported drama at the West Salem, La Crosse, and GET school districts.

As a musician, song writer and storyteller she composed hundreds of songs. In the 1980’s she sang and went on tour with the Christian Group, Spirit. She also sang with various community bands, groups and churches. Singing and dancing were daily activities in her home and her unconditional love and acceptance permeated her relationships. If you were fortunate to be in her sphere she radiated joy and love. Her most treasured songs are those she wrote for each one of her children. Her last concert series was Patricia and friends bringing her music to local churches.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse she earned a Masters Degree in Education - Professional Development. Her professional life involved service to family and children as a parent educator, social service provider, and special education teacher.

Patti brought joy, hope and light to all of her roles and was always up for an adventure, a campfire, a late night snack run for “Marmee mix,” a car ride to find the moon or watch the sunrise and sunset.

Patricia is survived by her children, Angela (Dan) Korson of West Salem, Timothy (Danielle) Sprain of La Crosse, Melissa (Chris) Norman of West Salem, Benjamin (Sarah) Sprain Sullivan of West Salem; grandchildren, Magdalene Strittmater, Gabrielle Strittmater, Marissa Korson, Olivia Korson (Zach Breeggemann), Abie, Liberty and Adelade Sprain, Genevieve and Augustine Norman, Braxton, and Jake and Etta Sullivan; her siblings, Dorothy Schmaltz of West Salem, Justin (Janet) Hall of Hayward, Theresa (William) Bauer of West Bend, Michael(Kathy) Hall of La Crosse, Rhonda (Paul) Andres of McFarland, Wis., Cyndi Hall of Ridgedale, Mo., and Lester (Wendy) Hall of La Crosse; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Justin Hall; aunt, Louise Liebl; brother-in-law, John Schmaltz; and former spouse, Thomas Sprain.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023, at the Presbyterian Church of West Salem, 625 Franklin Street W., West Salem, WI 54669. A dinner will follow the memorial service in the fellowship hall of the church and a graveside service in Neshonoc Cemetery will end the evening. A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service, Friday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to n.a.s.a. (North American Squirrel Association an organization dedicated to improving quality of life for the disabled and elderly). If online giving is preferred please visit https://www.nasasquirrel.org/donations.php or donations in memory of Patti may be mailed to n.a.s.a P.O. Box 186 Holmen, WI 54636

The family appreciates and would like to thank the following groups and individuals for the intensive love and support provided to Patricia especially for the last 2 ½ years. Those who journeyed this difficult decline will speak of her remarkable anchor in Christ, living and speaking joy, love and hope for her miracle: Mayo Hospice Team: Dr. Hilary Bingol and Matt Hammes, RN-BSN - the entire team was amazing; Benedictine Manor, especially Peggy Jeffers who was a lifelong friend and cared for Patti until her last day; her fabulous friends, Jill Munson, Sherry Bonsall, and Diane Adams who decorated her room for each season; friends and family who visited throughout the past six years including, Barbara Martin-Stanley, Julie Muellenberg, Connie Huebsch, and Sue Raymer; and a huge shout out to the Hall clan, all of her siblings, nieces, and nephews who included her and stayed connected even as she could no longer sit up through phone calls, visits, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube videos, facetimes, snapchats, hockey games, volleyball games, basketball games, swim meets, and Mondays with Marmee. We are so honored to have been able to have a long goodbye since September 1 that included stories, memories, laughter and tears. We know we will see you again- we will meet you at the Benjamin Gate when we make it home.