Patricia Esther Duschek, age 80 of Mesa, passed away December 16, 2023. Pat was born to Reverend Alfred and Esther Kvamme on December 13, 1943. Pat was kind, thoughtful and caring. Afflicted with severe rheumatoid arthritis for most of her adult life, she had countless surgeries, medical interventions, and a list of medications that was pages long. Yet, she transcended these severe limitations to be a life force and powerful influence on so many. Adored by her family, she and her home were the hub of her extended family and friends. Her circle of friends was wide including many relationships extending through decades. But her connection to others is not just measured in breadth. There was depth to her. She was authentic. No public persona versus private self – she was the real thing, always. Equipped with a great sense of humor, it was a joy to be in her presence. Daughter of a Lutheran pastor, Pat was a woman of deep faith, a faith that grounded her and guided her.
Born in Rushford, Minnesota, as a child Pat lived in Peterson, Minnesota, Coon Valley, Wisconsin, Radcliffe, Iowa, and Lake Mills, Iowa. After high school in Lake Mills, Pat attended Luther college, graduating in 1965. When teaching in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Pat met Helmut, who came to be her dear life partner, with whom she would have shared 56 years of marriage on December 29, 2023. Pat and Helmut made a home in Brookfield, Wisconsin and welcomed their firstborn Mark in 1969. Daughter Jennifer came along in 1975. They relocated to the drier climate of Mesa, AZ in 1979. Pat did not let rheumatoid arthritis define her, she looked back over her life and was blessed and thankful for all that she was able to accomplish despite having severe rheumatoid arthritis. Pat and Helmut traveled, took in nature, and developed a good solid faith community and foundation in Arizona.
Pat is survived by husband Helmut, son Mark Duschek, daughter Jennifer (Ryan) Ross, grandson Garrett Cauthen, brother Joel (Marion) Kvamme and sister Becky (Dean) Risa. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Esther Kvamme, sister Rachael Soleta, and niece Kirsten Kvamme Salmi.
A memorial service will be held in Victory Lutheran Church, Mesa, AZ on Thursday, January 4, 2024. A viewing will be at 9am, service at 10am and reception afterwards. Interment will follow in the City of Mesa Cemetery. The family suggest that memorials may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation or Victory Lutheran Church.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Pat was a good friend and an excellent role model. I’m sure she felt like Job at times, but she never complained and always had an attitude of peace. Her family and friends were blessed to have Pat in their lives. She will be missed.
Pat was a beautiful, kind, faith-filled woman. She always had a smile on her sweet face. Peace to the hearts of her dear family.
Known to me as Mrs. D, she was like a mother to me and the Earth has lost one of the most beautiful people known! She took me in and was a support and role model. My heart and soul misses her every second. I love and miss you!
Pat was such a beautiful inspirational woman with a heart of gold..Her loss is extremely sad and heartfelt. My heart goes out to her husband Helmut, & family as she was the “center” of their world. Despite all her struggles with her health; she never frowned or was bitter. Her positive attitude &. faith was beyond miraculous for all the struggles she had to succumb to. My deepest condolences for the loss of such a dear, amazing woman filled with so much love and admiration. She will be missed so much by so many. May you rest in peace sweet lady. Know that you were loved by many & never will you be forgotten. My deepest sympathy.
Patsy was my first cousin. I had not seen Patsy in more years than I like to think. I always loved when my family (Ted and Helen Qualm) would visit Patsys parents and kids in Minnesota. Lots of fun memories. I wish I had know Patsy better!