Patricia A. Blahnik, of Merrill, died Sunday, December 28, 2014 at her daughter’s home under the care of family. She was 81 years old. She was born on December 18, 1933 in Antigo, a daughter of the late Arthur and Dorothy (Flader) Rammer. She married Erving J. “Chuck” Fosterling in 1951, he preceded her in death in 1957. She was married to Daniel Blahnik from 1961 to 1970, he preceded her in death.

She was a 1951 graduate of Antigo High School and later continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.

Mrs. Blahnik was a teacher in the Antigo and Portage County School Districts and was a receptionist and research assistant for the Acupuncture and Pain Treatment Center.

She enjoyed spending time with her family especially playing cards and telling stories, arts, crafts, reading and research. She was a passionate advocate for alternative medicine, de-fluoridation of municipal water, anti-vaccination and individual rights and freedoms.

Survivors include six children, Kristine (Thomas) Crowe of Augusta; Daniel (Rita) Fosterling of Hudson, Victoria (David) Solin of Deerbrook, David (Lorie) Fosterling of Antigo, Douglas Blahnik of Merrill and Jennifer (Michael Yankaitis) Blahnik of Wausau; 15 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; a sister, Margaret Ballard of Ohio; two brothers, William (Shirley) Rammer of Great Falls, MT, and Michael (Nancy) Rammer of Oshkosh; sister-in-law, Virginia Rammer of Merrill; and brother-in-law, Gerald Benishek of Antigo.

In addition to her husbands she was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Alice Johnson, Joyce Benishek and Phyllis Knapp; and two brothers, Thomas and James.