"Henry and kids, Sorry it took me so long to find out about your loss of such a wonderful wife and mother. What great memories Patty helped make in our lives at Rolfe. We had so much fun on Donna and Stan's farm, riding horses , cheerleading and going to Heald's for youth group. I credit Patty with saving my life when we were riding horses and my horse slipped and fell on me. Always a good friend, it was easy to pick up over the years and it was easy to see her dedication to Henry and the kids. I'm so sad we lost touch, but Donna had kept us updated on your family. I hope grandkids and children will constantly bring back fond memories of the wonderful life and heart Pat was. I will miss her. Susan Lawton Stock"
In loving memory of
Patricia Ann Olerich
January 11, 2018 - August 12, 2013
Patricia Ann Olerich, 65, of Marshalltown, IA passed peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2013, a beautiful summer morning, with her husband at her side. Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 16, 2013, at New Hope Christian Church, 3901 S. Center Street, in Marshalltown, with Pastor Kerry Jech officiating. Prior to the memorial service, a visitation of family and friends will gather from 11:00am to 1:00pm for a light lunch at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pat Olerich Memorial, 407 N. 9th Street, Marshalltown, IA. 50158. The Main St. Chapel of the Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Pat was born to Stanley and Donna (Stiles) Whitmore on January 28, 1948, in Laurens, IA. She graduated from Rolfe High School in 1966 and received a degree from Fort Dodge Community Colege in clerical administration in 1968. In 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Henry F. Olerich. The young couple began farming in Rolfe, IA and started a family before relocating to Minneapolis, MN in 1986. Over the years Henry and Pat have resided in Florida and Texas before returning to Iowa in 2012. Prior to retiring in 2012, Pat made her career in banking.
Pat was a devoted wife and mother, a living example of her faith in The Lord. She led by example in her friendships, in her marriage, and was evident in the nurturing of her family. Pat would say that her greatest accomplishments were her children; however her children would say that her greatest accomplishment was being the most wonderful mother. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Pat chose optimism and faith. Her children know where to turn for peace because they watched their mother find it in The Lord.
Pat is survived by her loving husband Henry and four children: Randy (Heidi) Olerich, Merete (Jeff) Klocke, Leasa (Craig) Gatzlaff and Stewart Olerich, nine wonderful grandchildren, her mother, Donna Whitmore and her sister Marilyn Point.
Tributes
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat's family - her husband Henry and their children and grandchildren. Also with her Mother, Donna and sister Marilyn. Pat was truly a beautiful person on the outside and also on the inside. May faith, family and friends sustain you. Sincere sympathy, Fred & Margaret McKim "
"Our deepest sympathy to Henry and all of Pat 's family. So glad I got to see Pat at the reunion. We had so much fun cheerleading together. A totally out going girl with a beautiful personality. I will remember her with many GREAT memories."
"My condolences to the family of Patricia Olerich. Please find comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father provides us comfort through the sorrow and pain of these times. He has encouraged us in His Word the Bible that all sickness, pain and death will be done away with. May the guarantees found in the Bible guide you and be a strengthening aid.-Revelation 21:4,5"
"Dear Henry and family. Pat truly blessed anyone who crossed her path. I recall lots of good times back in our youth group days. Memories are so very sweet. We know God just got a very special lady. I am thankful that we shared His great love. "
"Dear Henry and Family: Pat truly blessed all who came in contact with her and the memories she gave to each of us will never be forgotten. Her legacy will live on! Her giving, caring and loving spirit will always be remembered. May you celebrate her life always. May the peace of God be with you and give you strength through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Deepest Sympathy, The Belknaps "
"My deepest condolances to her family. I was blessed to get to speak to her at the high school reunion. I wasn't going to attend and had a feeling that I should go. My twin brother told me where she was and that I should go and see her. I was blessed that I got to speak to her shortly before she left. Norma (Beuchle) Halverson"
"Just wanted to tell you how wonderful it was to see her make it to the alumni dinner. It had to take great strength for her to be there. Our families did a lot together when we were growing up, so I have a lot of fond memories of our times together. Mike and I have her family in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Kaye Calligan "
"Pat was truly unique - beautiful inside and out. She was genuinely sweet, kind, loving, positive, and always dignified. It was a pleasure and privilege to be her friend. My deepest sympathy, Henry, to you and your family. You have lost someone very special but now you have the pleasure of memories of a very beautiful person. I hope you will always celebrate her life as she was indeed one of the loveliest people I ever known. Ann Cleal Biittner Ann Cleal Biitttner"