Pat Pisarik
July 8, 1950 ~ October 30, 2017
Patrick Allen Pisarik, 67, a lifetime resident of rural Mt. Vernon, died Monday, October 30, 2017. Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2017, at St. John's Catholic Church, Mount Vernon. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Friday, November 3rd at the church with Rosary and Vigil at 3 p.m. Private Family Burial: Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Solon. Arrangements with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon.
Pat is survived by his wife, LeAnn Pisarik; four children, Christopher (Rachael) Pisarik, Jesse (Ashley) Pisarik, Stephanie (Joseph) Brinkmann, and Timothy (Christina) Pisarik; twelve grandchildren; Aubrey, Savannah, Lauren, Gabrielle, Rose, Kenzi, Paxten, Evan, Benjamin, Dorothy, James, and Stephen; ten siblings, Dennis (Joyce), Francis (Teri), Terese, Larry (Kathy), Kathy (Minor) Dix, John (Jane), Ron (Nancy), Mark (Luann), Steve (Susan), and Mary (Ron) Holubar; mother-in-law, Arda (Dick) Renfrow; in-laws, Charles (Lynn) Olson, Tim Olson, and Greg (Laura) Olson; and many nieces and nephews. His family meant the world to him and he took advantage of every opportunity to be with them.
Raphael and Elizabeth (Becker) Pisarik welcomed Pat to their family on July 8, 1950 in rural Ely. Growing up in a close-knit Catholic family and community, Pat worked and roamed the fields, farmland, and timbers of his native Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University and then went on to earn his Master's Degree at the University of Iowa. Pat loved learning.
Pat was a small business owner. He worked for the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation as a Project Consultant, as well as a graphic designer and a photojournalist at the Gazette. He finally settled on his lifelong love of education at Loras College, where he taught journalism for almost 25 years. For several years, he was the editor of the campus newspaper. Pat also served on the board of the Iowa College Media Association and was an active lifelong member in the Catholic Order of Foresters.
Those who were touched by Pat's life knew a kind and loving man. He was always the first to volunteer and often went out of his way to help others. Pat was quick to strike up a conversation; he valued his faith and was a generous man. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, woodworking, canning fruits, and making jellies. Pat loved to gather with family. He was a 'hands-on' type of grandfather, engaging his grand kids in endless crafts, conversation, fishing, and so much more. Pat traveled the world and enthusiastically captured his experiences in photos and video. He was a faithful and caring husband, as well as a proud and loving father and grandfather. Pat was the best friend and brother anyone could ask for. He will forever be in our hearts.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Raphael and Elizabeth Pisarik; sister, Christine Pisarik; father-in-law, Claude Olson; and sister-in-law, Kris Olson.
Memorials may be directed to the family or the charity of your choice.
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“When he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.”
–Wm Shakespeare–Romero & Juliet
Pat was a treasured colleague at Loras for over 20 years who loved his family, loved teaching, and loved life. We will always remember him fondly for he was one of the kindest, caring, giving men that have ever graced our lives. How he will be missed. To LeAnn, Tim, Jesse, Stephanie, Chris and all the family, we embrace you at this time of mourning and offer you our heartfelt prayers at this time of profound grief. We look forward to celebrating his life on Saturday with all of you at St. John’s.
I knew Pat when he got involved with the College Media Association. He was a kind and gentle soul. My condolences to his family.
Professor Pat was one of my favorite professors. I remember walking into his class every day last semester, and he would always have jokes to throw around in class. He was such a great person and he will be missed dearly by many on and off campus. My prayers are with his family, friends and students. May he Rest In Peace!
LeAnn – I am SO sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I don’t even know what to say, but just know that you have my sincere sympathy. I know you have many fond memories of Pat and I pray that in time they will bring you comfort. I remember the surprise birthday party he organized for you and what a great time that was. Any man who weeds your garden is a real gem. I’m praying for you and your family that God wraps his loving arms around you and brings you comfort and peace. (((Hugs)))
What a shock and loss to the general community and the Pisarik family.Pat was a decent , gentle person,as are all the Pisarik’s, and will be deeply missed.
Nancy Reed
Pat and I had the most wonderful chit -chats on his way to get in a work out for the day in the AWC .
We both shared a great love for nature and wildlife . I will truly miss my nature buddy .
Live peacefully in the big blue sky my friend
Todd loved every night working at the Gazette with Pat. He always brought food…whatever happened to be on sale on his way in at the Caseys! Pat helped us with Cub Scout day camp by having is students design the logo for camp and for spending countless hours ripping boards with Todd….and the sawdust!! Then there was the annual trip to the Pisarik house to pick cherries. Todd and Pat would spend hours standing at the cherry tree picking cherries and telling stories like two little kids! I can only imagine Todd and Pat in heaven already gone spear fishing and catching up on what happened in the last almost four years since Todd was called home. May our memories of those crazy boys sustain us thru the coming days. Hugs and prayers to the entire Pisarik family.
It was always a delight seeing Pat–whether that be passing him in the halls at Loras or chatting with him when we both had personal trainers in the spring. He was always kind, engaging, and offering assistance. We were delighted that he was going to accompany a service trip this year–something he had mentioned to me for a few years. His fun-loving presence will always be remembered and honored. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace, Stacia McDermott (Spiritual Life/Peace and Justice at Loras)
Jim and Cindy Kendall
We were very sad to hear the news Monday that Pat had passed away. I met Pat over 35 years ago and we soon became friends and had many things in common. After I married Cindy she soon realized why I enjoyed spending time with Leanne and him. I have fond memories of Tim at my house as a 2 or 3 year old running the yard and hanging out with all of us ! Many good times were spent around our fire pit discussing life and sharing stories. Pat was a good listener and always wanted to know how everyone was doing and to let him know if we ever needed help with anything.
I remember one trip to the Stone City quarry in his age old pickup to get a load of flat rock he planned to use in one of their gardens. With quite a load we laughed all the way back to Mt. Vernon hoping that the truck would make it and the tires would hold up . Could very well be one of the last times that truck was on the road.
Our sincere thoughts and prayers and love to Leanne and all of the family.
I had the pleasure of catching up with Pat whenever Ashley Holubar, one of his nieces and one of my greatest friends, and I saw him around Loras College Campus. His kindness and love for family emanated whenever I had the pleasure of visiting with him. Hugs and prayers to the Pisarik family.
Our hearts are saddened to hear the sudden death of Pat! Our sincere sympathy to you all! Growing up alongside the Pisarik family seeing them often at church or Foresters events, etc. we fondly remember and chuckle about the FUN they all had. “The more the merrier” comes to mind! Did anyone ever save the cowboys and Indians movie your family made in your pastures probably early 1960’s? Meanwhile: God bless his soul. May the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen Many prayers and HUGS from Mark & Joan (Poduska) Blindt
Pat is well remembered as a person of good conversation, curiosity and friendliness. My prayers and heart goes out to the family of this great spirit Pat.
I was saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. I am confident he is with the Lord. I was a coach and teacher of Pat at Mt. Vernon High School. I came to the school when Pat was a senior. I remember him as an outstanding student, athlete, and outstanding role model for the other students.
My sympathy to all the family.
Love in Christ to you all,
Bob Landis
A friend and fellow traveler from the summer of 1969 and beyond. Pat was one of the good guys and we enjoyed his friendship and smile while in Wirt, MN and back on campus. I am really glad we got to spend time together for a great weekend of Salmon Fishing in August. There is a reason they call it fishing verses catching and even though the fish were not biting we had a great time on the boats and terrific meals together. Pat will be missed! Steven Boody
Such an amazing teacher. He not only taught me to be confident in my work but inspired me to thrive to be even better than I thought I ever could. An amazing professor and mentor. I will never forget him or the lessons he taught me. He helped students at every opportunity given to him, even ones who weren’t in his classes. He loved to see students succeed and was willing to do anything to make that happen. He was a very selfless, funny, personable, patient, and kind professor. But his passion to teach and inspire others will live on with his students, along with the lessons he taught us. My Prayers go out to the family and friends of Professor Pisarik, God Bless
Leann, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We hope you find peace and comfort over time.
We love you, Dennis & Cheri Renfrow
I am a Loras College graduate of 2003. I wrote for the school newspaper, The Lorian my senior year. Pat always helped me analyze my weekly news stories. I learned a lot from him. He gave me a lot of pointers. I am sad to hear of his passing. He will be missed!
Mary and family and extended family. Words cannot adequately convey my sympathy. I am so very sorry for your loss. God bless you and keep you.
My love and prayers to the Pisarik family~ I am heartsick at the news of Pat’s passing.
He was a sweet friend, fellow gardener, and brother in Christ. His bear/lumberjack hugs and tender nature were such a joy and comfort. When I heard the news I immediately thought of Maya Angelou’s poem, “When Great Trees Fall”. Pat will live on in every bit of heart he gave to us all. Thank you Pat for your holy presence in our lives~
“And when Great Souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing, electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us, they existed. They existed. We can Be. Be and be better. For they existed.”
Lovingly,
Cindy Kendall
LeAnn, Stephanie, and the whole family: Rich and I are so sorry to hear this news! A kind, friendly, outgoing, optimistic man is gone from us. We remember him from the old days at The Sun when LeAnn and Pat’s romance was just beginning. I remember him from water aerobics at the pool a couple of summers ago. He didn’t care that he was the only guy there. He was lots of fun. Pat always had time to be friendly and chat with anyone. You never felt like his mind was elsewhere — he was just interested in how you were doing at that moment. What a rare trait that is. The world would be a much better place with more people like Pat in it.
Sara Gaarde and Rich Hileman
I was shock to learn of Pat’s passing and truly sadden that such a good man and good person is no longer on this earth with us. Pat was truly a great colleague, always smiling and bring light-heartedness to the hallways at Loras. I worked closely with Pat and my greatest memories with him are laughing at his stories in his office and him sharing pictures and stories of his newest grandbaby. He will truly be missed.
I celebrate the life of this good man and mourn his passing with you!
With warm thoughts and prayers,
Wendy Romero
Chris, Jesse, Stephanie, Tim and LeAnn, and to all of Pat’s family. We are truly sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. We will always remember his big smile and how he loved his family! Pat was such a kind and gentle man, we will miss him at family gatherings. May God comfort you and may you feel Pat’s loving embrace in everywhere you go.
Ron and Linda Kron
My thoughts and prayers are with Pat’s family. He was such a kind, gentle and funny man. I have fond memories of classes with him at Loras and attending various media conferences with him. I once attended a Catholic Order of Foresters event for work and was so surprised and excited to see Pat there! I hadn’t known he was a member until that point, but I always looked forward to seeing him at other COF events. May he rest in Peace.
So sorry to hear about Pat. He was a great friend to my parents, Rex and Freda Reynolds, and was so generous to check in on them frequently as they got older. May God grant him the grace that he showed to my family.
Every time I see an heirloom tomato, or a winter squash, or hear a bad joke, I think of Pat. The Pisarik Fsmily will always be in my heart. Mary Lynn
I was shocked went on line he was to find him on line and his obituary came up. Back in the 80s we taught CCD with the fresh high high school students. Believe it or not we taught death and dying. We had tons of pray and laughter. I would love to visit his grave. If Chris or just anyone.If one Chris or Jess.take me to visit hisg grave Arden I would really appreciate it. My email is lizdelehanty@gmail My prayers to you all, Liz