Florence D. Lato

Died: Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013

Visitation: one hour prior to mass at church on Monday

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 28, 2013 at St. Olaf Catholic Church with Father Brian Konopa officiating

Interment: Sacred Heart Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Olaf Catholic Church

Florence D. Lato, age 86, of Eau Claire died peacefully on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Dove Health Care with her children at her side.

Florence was born on April 17, 1926 to the late John and Louise (Dobrzynski) Szymanski in Thorp. She attended Pozen School and Thorp High School. She was employed in the office of Blue Moon Foods. On July 27, 1946 she married Steve Lato at St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in Thorp. They farmed and raised three children in the Thorp area for 21 years. Florence was also employed by optometrists there for six years. In July of 1967, they moved to Eau Claire. She was employed at J.C. Penney for 21 years until her retirement. Florence enjoyed traveling, playing cards, golfing, crocheting and especially cooking and baking "Polish Goodies" for her family.

She is survived by her children, Bonnie (Richard) Paulson of Chippewa Falls, David (Renee) Lato of Eau Claire, Roger (Maria) Lato of SunValley, Idaho; grandchildren, Todd (Alicia) Paulson, Joyele (Eric Olson) Paulson, Benjamin (Nicole) Lato, Mark (Beth) Lato, Luke (Kylie) Lato, Jeremy Lato, and Zac Maricich; great grandchildren, Anika, Lillianna, Paisley, Brody, Ellia, Eamon, and Evryn; brothers, Richard (Elaine) Szymanski of Thorp and Jerry (Rosemary) Szymanski of West Salem; sister-in-law, Marcie Szymanski of Eau Claire; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Steve, in 2006; grandson, Matthew; brother, Leonard; great grandsons, Noah and Sawyer.

The family would like to thank the staff of Dove Healthcare West for their wonderful care for Florence.