Patricia E. (Wilking) Schatz

Patricia Eyvonne (Wilking) Schatz, 66, of Kankakee, passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at her home. She was born on January 7, 1955 in Kankakee, the daughter of Amos and Virginia (Keller) Wilking. Patricia married William Arthur Schatz on July 22, 1977.

She is survived by her husband, William Schatz of Kankakee; one daughter Julie (David) Belan of Romeoville; one brother, Amos "Butch" (Pat) Wilking of Chebanse; three sisters-in-law, Susie Wilking of Clifton, Pam Wilking of Bonfield, and Betty Schatz of Kankakee; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Rebecca Schatz; her in-laws, Arthur and Mabel (Emme) Schatz; two brothers, John Wilking and Raymond Wilking; a sister-in-law, Mary Schatz; and three nephews, twin infant boys, and Garrett Wilking.

Patricia earned her Bachelor's Degree in Applied Science from Olivet Nazarene University in 1998. She had worked for the City of Kankakee for 42 years, retiring in 2017 as the Assistant Superintendent of Laboratory Services. She was a member of many Water Environment Associations, and received awards including: Illinois Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers in 1996, and WEF Laboratory Excellence Award in 1997. Patricia was also a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton. She enjoyed reading, listening to music and traveling.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 20, 2021 from 3-8:00p.m. at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. The funeral service will be held on Monday, June 21, 2021 at 11:00a.m., with additional visitation one hour prior, at Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Memorials may be made to the Rebecca Schatz Memorial Fund (Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley), Clove Alliance, Clifton Food Pantry, or the Donor's Choice.