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Mercedes M. Ptak

June 23, 1952 - April 11, 2017
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Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church
227 Columbus Street
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Wednesday 4/19, 10:00 am

Mercedes M. Ptak, age 64, passed away on April 11, 2017, after a struggle with multiple myeloma cancer. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 23, 1952, the daughter of Stanley and Marie Ptak. She attended Sacred Hearts High School in Rolling Meadows, IL, and then New Glarus High School. She was an employeeContinue Reading

Mike Riedner left a message on April 14, 2018:
Not remembering the exact date of Mercy's passing I came here to see and discovered she died on the anniversary of my conversion, April 11, (1982). Gerry, my condolences still and to all the Ptak's. Though I wish she wasn't taken so soon I know she can do more in Heaven. I regularly ask her to pray for me and especially for a particular intention. I didn't know her mother well but I know her father Stanley was a saint and Mercy was so much like him. I can only echo the beautiful words Maureen Johnson, another saint, (sorry, Maureen, I know you would not be comfortable hearing that), wrote here. Mike Riedner
Julie Howard left a message on December 24, 2017:
I just learned that Mercy passed away and just want to say how very sorry I am to hear this news. She was one of the most beautiful souls. I eagerly awaited her latest icon. She would bring cards to St. Norbert's. Be assured of my prayers, especially as we celebrate Christmas. My love to the whole family.
Thomas Stram left a message on May 7, 2017:
Remembering a beloved sister to a special friend
Dianne Kennedy left a message on May 1, 2017:
I as so sadden by the news of Mercy going to be with the Lord. I worked with her on a daily basis with her being my QBE underwriter. We came to share the same beliefs. She was such a wonderful person and a true Christian. I have all her prayer cards and Xmas decorations to remember her. I will truly miss my friend.
Julie Ward (Day) left a message on April 24, 2017:
I am truly saddened by the news of Mercy's passing. I sat across from Mercy at QBE in the Underwriting Dept. as a colleague but I came to know Mercy as a friend and a sister in our Lord. We shared work space, our love of an afternoon coffee from the Keurig maker at Nancy Wilke's desk to help keep us going around 2pm as we would head down to the rotunda for our breaks. Gerry would regularly meet us at our table for some good conversation and it was always an encouragement to me to sit with Mercy, Gerry and Nancy. I looked up to these ladies and felt very blessed to know each one. It went beyond work family. These ladies truly embodied what I now hope that I could be for someone else someday, a help, a joy and a hope. They were kind and true. You don't meet too many people like Mercy. She was a dynamic woman. Truly strived to be her personal best in all that she set out to do but let her heart and her faith lead the way. Mercy was full of positive energy and it showed by that great laugh and wonderful smile she had. Mercy helped me during a tough time in my life. Her words of wisdom, her generous acts of kindness, her prayers and ongoing care for me and my children will forever be burned into my heart. I MISS YOU MERCY... A good and faithful servant. I know you're celebrating in eternity and one day we will all get to catch up again... maybe even over a good hot cup of coffee. Loving prayers go out to you Gerry and all her precious family. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to contact me. Lovingly, Julie Ward
Juan Landa left a message on April 18, 2017:
God bless you Mercy! What an example of a true Christian! You showed us how to carry a Cross! Gerry and family, our prayers are with you, and will be taken to the Altars of Lourdes, Fatima and many other Marian Shrines. Juan landa from Mater Dei.
Rosemary Stark left a message on April 18, 2017:
Although a fellow choir member, she was an alto and I am a soprano. We did not talk much. However, I will always think of Mercy when we sing one of our songs at the Easter Vigil. She was a master of that song, and I am sure she was singing with us this last Saturday.

Rest in Peace, Mercy.
Mary Mallory left a message on April 18, 2017:
I first got to know Mercy at General Casualty in 2007. She was an excellent underwriter, very patient and kind, and always willing to answer questions and help out in any way she could. Then she introduced me to Gerry and Maria and Al at Sacred Hearts, and Joe, and Judy and Frank, and then at Catholic speaker events or Friday fish fries at other area churches, the sisters introduced me to several more siblings. What am amazing and inspirational family! Everyone who knows Mercy is a better person because of her, and we will all miss her, and thanks to her beautiful and loving spiritual example, and her gifts of icons, etc, we are all better equipped to see her again some day in heaven. Rest in peace, dear Mercy, and those who love you will see you soon. Pray for us!
maureen johnson Ofs left a message on April 18, 2017:
Dearest Ptak Family,
Sharing your sorrow on Mercy's passing and sending heartfelt love and prayers. Mercy and your family have been a joyful light of Christ's love for everyone they meet, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity and Marytown Dinners and picnics over the years, instruments of love, hope and peace.
Working side by side together with our families,for Marytown's Mission of the Immaculata are treasured memories we hold dear.

God's Peace, Grace and Love be with you always, through the Hearts of
Jesus, Mary, St. Joseph and St. Francis.
love and rosaries maureen johnson Ofs
Mary Palmer left a message on April 17, 2017:
Gerry and family I was so sorry to hear of Mercy's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Mercy when I worked at General Casualty. She always had a smile on her face and full of life. I will pray for her Eternal Peace. Hugs to you Gerry!
Cecilia Schneider left a message on April 15, 2017:
I am thinking of you in this time of sorrow. You & Mercy are in my prayers
Ruth Elmer left a message on April 14, 2017:
My sympathies, to all of her family & friends, in the loss of Mercy.
Scott Cummins left a message on April 14, 2017:
Mercy was the first GC person (other than those involved in the interview process) I met upon moving to WI. Lunch get together the week I was looking for a place to live. I will forever remember her huge smile as she extended her hand and introduced herself to me. I knew I was moving to a great place.

Warm, passionate and compassionate, with an incredible faith that was always centered on service to others.

While I had the pleasure of working with Mercy, I more importantly had the privilege of knowing Mercy as a friend. A friend that never needed to be asked to provide help, whether it was in the workplace or in the community. All of you reading this know what I am talking about.

Gerry, Maria and Family, I share the sorrow you are experiencing, as well as the Faith that Mercy carried with her every day. I know you will celebrate a great and meaningful life with the friends and family on the 19th.

Scott C.
Terri Scheel left a message on April 14, 2017:
Mercy & Gerry have been my wonderful next-door neighbors for many years, since we all moved into our brand new condos way back then. I always think of Mercy with a smile and laughter... dark hair, dancing eyes, and very sweet. My mother and I, as well as her prayer group, have been praying for Mercy and the whole Ptak family since Gerry told me the news late last year. In recent days we've noticed many cars at their home and felt saddened by what we thought that probably meant as loved ones gathered together. We kept praying hard for God's grace to enfold you all in His loving, endless embrace... we know He does. Even though we'll keep Mercy close in our hearts, we will surely miss her. And while Mercy's beautiful life-light has dimmed here, she glows brightly in heaven.
Bill Hoesly left a message on April 13, 2017:
My sympathy to the Ptak family.
Bill Hoesly
Class of 1970
New Glarus
Gary & Sue St. Louis left a message on April 13, 2017:
Mercy was a kind woman, and talented in so many ways. She was a hard worker at General Casualty. She was filled with the spirit of Christ and lived her life accordingly. She filled our home with her gift of music. She will be missed.
Janet King left a message on April 13, 2017:
Tom, Laura and family, I am so sorry for your loss....
Sending my sympathy.
Barbara Hill left a message on April 13, 2017:
Mercy was one of the most AMAZING, compassionate, kind and caring people I have ever met in my life .... she will be sorely missed, but heaven has gained a VERY SPECIAL angel ....
Jane Zagrodnik left a message on April 13, 2017:
I worked with Mercedes in the 80's at General Casualty. I remember her as a happy, smiling person. She was always a delight to talk to.

My deepest sympathy to her family. I know she will be missed.

Jane Zagrodnik
Judy Klubertanz left a message on April 13, 2017:
My prayers and condolences go out to Mercy's family. I worked with her at General Casualty and she was always a smiling face and pleasure to work with. Her faith and family were priority in her life, she will be greatly missed!
Donna Sarbacker left a message on April 13, 2017:
Deepest sympathies to the Ptak family. We were all family at General Casualty, and are deeply saddened by the loss of Mercy, one of our family. Rest in peace.....God be with you...
Joan Derendinger Judd left a message on April 13, 2017:
Dear Ptak Family,
Having been neighbors and classmates growing up in Exeter Township, Mercy and I were good friends. I am sorry for the loss of a very wonderful sister to you. She will be missed. She was so thoughtful and welcoming. God's Blessings to you all. Keep the memories. My sympathies -- Joanie
Sheila Gempeler left a message on April 13, 2017:
I am so saddened to hear that Mercy lost the battle with this disease. As a co-worker for the majority of those 45 years, I was always impressed with her work ethic, the friendly way she had with people, and her absolute and unwavering faith.
Dean Henkel left a message on April 13, 2017:
A loss to the General Casualty family. May there be comfort knowing she will not be forgotten.
Toni Rhodes (Fredenberg) left a message on April 13, 2017:
Thinking of you Gerry and family,

Toni Rhodes (Fredenberg)
Judy & Bill Dabbs left a message on April 13, 2017:
No amount of time with one you love is long enough. We know you are a strong, faithful family and will hold each other up through God's love with many happy memories.
Kim McConnell left a message on April 13, 2017:
Dearest Ptak family, Mercy was one of those rare individuals that absolutely everyone liked because of her natural ability to make people feel comfortable and welcome. She was gifted with intelligence, humility. grace and a very kind heart. She loved her large, beautiful family and I know Mercy's amazing spirit will be kept alive in countless memories.
Melanie Pfeil left a message on April 13, 2017:
Sending love and prayers to Mercy's family. A memory to share: Mercy approached me 2-3 years ago (I didn't know her then) with a beautiful basket of St. Maximilian Kolbe memorabilia. She asked me to give it to one of the families at Family Adoration at Sacred Hearts, so we drew names with the families attending. The family that received the basket was very touched, and felt like St. Maximilian was reaching out to them to help with some special needs, things they were going through. It was one of those moments when I knew the Holy Spirit was at work. :) This was one of my first encounters with Mercy. After that I became more familiar with her beautiful icons and prayerful soul. I know that you will miss her greatly, and a piece of you will never be the same. But it will rest in heaven with her, and so as you grieve her presence here, know that a piece of your heart that feels broken is actually waiting for you in heaven with Mercy. <3
Kim Durham left a message on April 13, 2017:
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family right now as it always has. I love Mercedes and grew to love her so much through her example of prayerful and loving devotion to Christ Jesus through the years. Use me in whatever capacity you need.
Diane Helt left a message on April 13, 2017:
Mercy was a wonderful and kind person. Always greeted you with a smile. My sympathy to the entire family. She will be missed by all.
Ronald Erickson left a message on April 13, 2017:
Was a pleasure to have known her as the older sister of my classmate Joe. Sorry for your loss Joe. She was a wonderful person. Ron Erickson
Karen Brunker left a message on April 12, 2017:
So sorry for your loss. Mercy was one of my mentors when I began working with her at QBE two years ago. She was such a kind woman. I will miss her.
Newcomer Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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