Obituary: Honoring Patricia “Pat” H. Froelich Wirick’s Legacy

Patricia “Pat” H. Froelich Wirick, 91, of Defiance, passed away on December 31, 2025, at Kingsbury Place. Her life began on July 8, 1934, in Defiance, Ohio, born to Linus and Anna Weber Froelich. She married John B. Wirick Sr. on October 22, 1955, who sadly passed away in 2017.

Education and Early Career

Pat graduated from Defiance High School in 1952. Her career started with a humble position as a carhop at Jigg’s Rootbeer Stand. Later, she became a co-manager and then the manager of Sterling Dairy Store, dedicating 25 years to the role before retiring in 1991.

Community Involvement and Hobbies

A devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Pat actively participated in her community. Her hobbies included playing bingo, reading, and tending to her flower garden. Most importantly, she cherished the time spent with her family.

Family Legacy

Pat leaves behind a large family that includes her seven children:

• John (Tammy) Wirick Jr.
• Jane (Jim) Brown
• Joan DeSota
• Jeffrey (Elaine) Wirick
• Pam (Jon) Flower
• Penny (Mike) Relyea
• Matthew (Mandra) Wirick, DDS

She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Pat’s sister, Virginia Manley, and sisters-in-law, Marilyn and Beverly Froelich and Marilyn Wirick, also survive her.

A Life Remembered

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and multiple siblings and in-laws. These included Alma Jean Froelich and John Froelich, as well as grandson Nathan Wirick and son-in-law Denny DeSota.

Services

Visitation is scheduled for January 5, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson-Roessner Chapel in Defiance. A Rosary Service will commence at 2:00 PM and will continue one hour prior to a Mass of Christian Burial on January 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, officiated by Fr. Kevin McGraw. Pat will be laid to rest at Riverview Memory Gardens.

Gratitude and Memorials

The family expresses gratitude to the staff at Kingsbury Place for their care over the past four years, as well as to ELARA Caring Hospice for their support during the past year. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Food Pantry or ELARA Caring Hospice.

Online condolences may be submitted at www.Schafferfh.com. To honor Patricia “Pat” H. Froelich Wirick’s memory, flowers can be sent to the family or a tree planted in her memory through the floral store.