Patricia Mary Grutza (Nee Simonson)

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 10:00am – 11:00am  with a service at 11:00am at Whitnall Park Lutheran Church 5847 S. Lilac Ln. Hales Corners WI, 53130. Inurnment to be held at a later date.

Patricia Mary Grutza (nee Simonson)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Mary Grutza, who
unexpectedly left this world on November 26, at the age of 77. A woman of extraordinary
talent, whose warmth, and spirit enriched the lives of all who knew her.
Born in Milwaukee, WI, Pat’s love for music blossomed into a lifelong passion. She was a
gifted multi-instrumentalist, mastering not one, but four diverse and beautiful instruments:
the piano, harp, cello and bagpipes. Her performances—filled with sensitivity, precision,
and unmistakable soul—captivated audiences and brought beauty into the world. Music
was her language of love, and she shared it generously: with students she mentored, with
communities she performed for, and with family who often gathered around to listen and
watch as her hands danced across the keys.
Beyond her remarkable talent, she will be remembered for her gentle humor, her steadfast
kindness, and the way she made every person feel cherished. She celebrated life’s small
joys, from the flowers in her yard, her Irish heritage, to time spent with family and her love
for her dogs, Mike, Pepper, Robby, Philicia & Ricky.
Patrica is survived by her brother George (Catherine) Simonson, sister-in-law Nancy
Simonson, her step-sons: Phillip Ryan (Debra) Grutza, Paul Grutza, and Perry (Linda)
Grutza, and many nieces and nephews: Deborah Simonson, Christie Jo Simonson, Jodi
(Dean) Fischer, Jonathan (Marie) Simonson, George (Lynn) Simonson, Carolyn (Robert)
Loohauis, Rebecca (Jerrold) Schultz, Daniel Simonson, Tamara Simonson, and Laura
Simonson. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband Phillip Grutza, her parents Alfred
and Olive Simonson, her sister Baby Simonson, her brothers Alfred Simonson and James
Simonson, nieces Lisa Simonson, Karen Simonson (nee John), nephew Alfred Joseph III,
and Kandy Grutza.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at
Whitnall Park Lutheran Church, 5847 Lilac Lane in Hales Corners. Prior to the service, a
visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interning of the Ashes
will take place in spring.
Pat leaves behind family and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts. Though her
music has quieted, its echoes remain in the many lives she touched. May she rest in peace,
reunited with loved ones who went before her, and may her memory be a blessing