In loving memory of

Patricia Louise (Rethmeier) Spanel
October 16, 1949 - July 14, 2021

To watch the rosary and prayer service, click on the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/patricia-spanel-rosaryprayer-service-819745

Age 71. Though she was born to sparkle, Pat gained her heavenly wings on July 14, 2021, surrounded by her husband, two children, and many family members. Just as she lived her life, she passed gracefully in the arms of the Lord with a benevolent smile. Most knew her affectionately as "Mama". She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Delores Rethmeier of Council Bluffs, Iowa. She is survived by her husband Gary Spanel of 49 years; children, Gregory (Megan) Spanel, Kimberly (Timothy) Butler; fur baby, Abbey Rose; three grandsons, Jack, Ben, and Sam; two grand dogs, Gracie and Shelby; brother, James (Mary) Rethmeier; sister, Barb McElderry (Dennis); many nephews; nieces; cousins; and friends. Pat was a graduate of St. Alberts Catholic School in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She had a 31-year career in the Omaha area home medical industry. She loved to speechify and was a former member of the Omaha Toastmasters Bule Ah Busters Club. She was known for her compassionate care and immeasurable product knowledge. She absolutely loved her work and making patients more comfortable and independent. She certainly preferred helping patients not being one. Through all of her own health battles she always kept a positive attitude and was an inspiration to many with her glowing courage. She loved to travel, put her toes in the beach sand, tend to her beautiful yard flowers, and always saved room for dessert. She rarely wore the same outfit twice, unless it was really adorable. Most importantly, she was known for her generosity, work ethic, kindness, sparkle, and love of life. She will be missed by many.
VIGIL SERVICES: Friday, July 23, Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 4PM Rosary Prayer with family receiving friends immediately following until 7:00 P.M. and a prayer service with a eulogy from 7:00-8:00 P.M.. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, July 24, St. James Catholic Church in Omaha at 10:00 A.M. INTERMENT: Forest Lawn Cemetery immediately following church service. Memorials are suggested to the St. James Catholic School Scholarship Fund or to the Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Foundation

Tributes

Craig & Janet Breitkreutz wrote on Jul 16, 2021:

"Kim & Tim: Sending you guys (Hugs) & prayers. "

Janet Edmonds wrote on Jul 15, 2021:

"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family, May Jehovah sustain you at this time of such great loss. "

Janet Edmonds wrote on Jul 15, 2021:

"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family, May Jehovah sustain you at this time of such great loss. "