Patricia L. Stark, 90, of Valparaiso, formerly of Ceresco, died Nov. 23, 2023. She was born July 12, 1933, in Wahoo, NE to LeRoy and Iva (Wedberg) Quick. She was a retired Registered Nurse. Assisted Dr. French and Dr. Wallace at Wahoo Clinic and Saunders County Hospital. She was a member of the Ceresco United Methodist Church and Ceresco Post #244 American Legion Auxiliary. She volunteered at Bryan LGH Surgical Waiting and ushered at The Lied Center for Performing Arts.
Her first childhood home was 6 miles east of Ceresco then later moved to the farm 4 miles west of Ceresco where her brother Lee now lives in 1943. The move required her to attend a new school, District #40. “I was afraid to move to a new school. A lot of students were Czech so I couldn’t understand them. But caught on fast. They were all very nice to me, so all my worries were for naught”.
Life was simple then. Days were mostly filled helping with chores. They milked cows and raised beef cattle and chickens. They did not take vacations or trips because of the livestock. She said when times were tough her mom told her “Always look across the fence and you will see someone worse off than you when you feel down. I would always think of a neighbor that lost a set of twins, then two boys and a girl. The family raised a beautiful girl and boy. Very special kids.”
Pat enjoyed playing volleyball and the trumpet in school and later softball on the town teams. When asked about school prom she said “No dances in Ceresco, too religious. We went to Dance Island east of Wahoo” The road she lived on was often muddy so she would stay in town with her Grampa Wedberg that she adored. She would also stay with the Methodist preacher’s family, Reverend Irwin. It was living with them where she became fascinated by the stories about nursing from Mrs. Irwin (Betty) who was a Registered Nurse. She attended nursing school at Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing. Dr. Noyes of Ceresco was on the school staff. Her training took her to Hastings NE and Denver CO. She graduated and began working at the Wahoo clinic at age 21.
Mom and dad dated in high school. Larry was called to the Army in November of 1952. But before he left, he had something important to do. “He asked if I would wear a diamond before he left for the Korean War. Not sure if he ever asked me to marry him but he asked my mom’s permission at choir practice”. Dad returned from Korea in December of 1954. They were married at the Ceresco Methodist Church on April 27, 1955. Mom worked at the Saunders County Hospital until retirement in the mid-80s. Dad farmed the family farm south of Ceresco Until his retirement in 1994. They enjoyed many trips together with tour groups and relatives. Their travels together took them to China, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic Alaska, and many places within the US. They were inseparable and loved to travel. Mom said she would rather travel than have a new house.
Most of these quotes came from a memory book she had completed years ago. The book also asks for advice she would give to a friend or family member.
“Be happy. Never allow time for depression. Be busy. Don’t dwell on negatives. Keep Smiling. You will be complimented.”
Family includes husband, Larry; sons, Kevin (Sandy) Stark, Davey, NE, Tim (Sandy) Stark, Las Vegas, NV; daughter, Lisa (David) Christensen, Ceresco, NE; grandchildren, Katie Bunjer, Kyle (Kara) Stark, Cole (Allison) Stark, Kelsey (Matt) Burt, Nicholas (Ashley) Christensen and Megan (Dillon) Rischling; 10 great grandchildren; brother, Lee Quick, Ceresco, NE. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Phyllis McGill. Patricia’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Visitation with family greeting friends from 5:00–7:00PM, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 at Metcalf Funeral Home, 245 N 27th St., Lincoln, NE. Graveside service 9:00AM, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 at Sunrise Cemetery, Wahoo, NE. Memorial service at 11:00AM, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 at the Ceresco United Methodist Church, 421 N. 2nd Street, Ceresco, NE.
Memorials to be determined by family.