"My thoughts are with Pat?s family. I worked with Pat for many years and appreciated the contributions she made in her positions at Friendship Haven including the Gardens Assisted Living, her last work assignment before her retirement. She was a kind devoted caregiver someone we could always count on. I?ll miss seeing all the pictures of her grandkids she regularly posted on Facebook. May you rest in well deserved peace. I?ll never forget you."
In loving memory of
Patricia Zeka
March 7, 1950 - November 7, 2023
Patricia Sue Zeka, 73, of Fort Dodge passed away of a broken heart on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Trinity Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday in the chapel of Laufersweiler Funeral Home.
Pat is survived by her daughters, Kimberly (Scott) Bair, Tamee (Jerad) Helmers; son, Mark Zeka; stepsons, David (Deb) Estlund and Rick Estlund; grandchildren, Zack and Tyler Pringle, Cody Wassenberg, Brandon Waychoff, Allison (Chad) Fakhouri, Kameron and Makala Zeka, Brayden and Natalie Zeka, Jacob Bair, Caitlin Bair, Nicole (Ben) Williams, Madison (Jack) Letsche, Gabriella and Alexa Estlund, and Ashley Estlund; great-grandchildren, Emmett and Kalem Pringle; siblings, Jan (David) Mackedanz, Sandy (Roger) Hallberg, and Rick Veerhusen; last but definitely not least, her cat Sammy.
She was preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life of 35 years, Delbert Estlund; parents, Clarence and Marjorie Veerhusen; grandmother, Esther Corderman; and several aunts and uncles.
Patricia Sue Veerhusen was born March 7, 1950 in Sac City. She graduated from Sac City High School and later moved to Fort Dodge. In 1971, she was united in marriage to Jim Zeka. The couple established their home in Fort Dodge and had 2 daughters, Kim and Tamee and a son, Mark. They were later divorced after 17 years of marriage. Pat devoted her career to helping others. When her children were young, she ran an in home daycare. She retired from Friendship Haven in 2014 after 30 years of being a Nurses' Assistant. After retirement, she enjoyed participating in water aerobics and yoga. She also spent her free time volunteering at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home. She had a deep passion for birds. On June 3, 1988 she met the love of her life Delbert Estlund. The couple were together for more than 35 years until his passing 11 days prior to herself. Pat enjoyed riding the Harley with Delbert in their earlier years. She was very involved in St. Olaf Church. She would babysit in the nursery, help with Bible Study and even checked in on the elderly members of the church. Pat's great joys were her grandchildren; from years ago when the adult ones were little to the little ones now. She had a very special bond with each one of them.
Memorials may be left to family discretion.
Tributes
"I enjoyed working at friendship Haven with her she was a great worker "
"Pat wea a wonderful person. She cares about other people. She was a good worker. She care her residents at Friendship Heaven. She will be miss ."
"Pat was a very caring and compassionate person o worked with her at friendship haven.my condolences to her children she will.be deeply missed by all who knew her she was a great friend"
"Pat was one of the ladies who came to the Bible study I hosted at St. Olaf. I loved her eagerness to learn more about the Bible and the insights that she brought to our group. She stood out to me as someone who was deeply caring and loyal. I will deeply miss seeing her at our monthly breakfast clubs. "
"My condolences to you and your family Kim! May the Lord comfort you all!?"
"My deepest sympathy to Pat's family. I have wonderful memories of working with Pat at Friendship Haven several years ago. She was such a sweet, kind and compassionate human being. May she Rest in Peace."