Sheila Rae (Patterson) Blada, 88, died peacefully at home in Racine, WI June 17, 2026 with family at her side.
Sheila was born in Souris, ND to Myrtle “Toots” (Hunter) Patterson and Howard Patterson on November 20, 1937 as the oldest sibling of Frances (Clarence) Johnson of Downey, CA; Karen (Gil) Gutierrez of Las Vegas, NV; Jeanne (Ken) Newgard of Polson, MT; Susan Hunt of Missoula, MT; Brian Patterson of St. Anthony, ID; James (Donna) Patterson of Lake Isabella, CA; and Christine (Richard) Kuschel of Missoula, MT.

After a bucolic childhood with her family in Souris, Sheila attended Minot State University where she received her degree in English. It was there that she met the love of her life, Maurice Wesley Blada, who was earning his Master’s Degree in Accounting after serving in the Korean War. They soon welcomed their sons Mitchell Kerry Blada (b.1957) and Scott Todd Blada (b.1962). After beginning their lifelong careers in education in ND, the young family moved to Racine, WI in 1968. Sheila earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Carthage College and taught at various schools in the Racine area with a focus on teaching students with learning disabilities. Olympia Brown Elementary was her longest tenure.
Beyond her passion for teaching, Sheila and Maurice spent their summers at their idyllic Lake Metigoshe, ND cabin and later at their lake house on picturesque Legend Lake, WI. Sheila enjoyed gardening, boating, and reading mystery novels while overlooking the lake with a glass of wine at hand. And of course, she took great pride in entertaining and cooking for her family. Along with a trip to Europe and extensive travels around the US and Canada, Sheila and Maurice were long-time members of the Racine Curling Club, where they enjoyed travel, competition, and camaraderie for many years. Their grandson, Dylan Blada, came to stay with Sheila and Maurice and grew up with their guidance and wisdom. Dylan later became their devoted caretaker as Sheila and Maurice aged with the help of Denisha, Josie, and Ashley who were integral in Sheila being comfortable and always in good spirits. Sheila was the guest of honor at Laura and Dylan's wedding where she had a grand time dancing and celebrating.
Sheila was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Maurice (d.2025), and her sister Frances. She is survived by her sons Mitch (Susan) and Scott, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place; inurnment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the World Wildlife Fund
(worldwildlife.org) or H.O.P.E. Safehouse (hopesafehouse.org).

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