Patrick Mashek

July 21, 2014

Service Details

Patrick David Mashek, 63, died July 21, 2014 after a 12 year bout with colorectal cancer. He was born on March 20, 1951 to Edward Daniel and Rita McGrane Mashek in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended Holy Rosary Elementary School, St. Edmond's High School and Iowa Central Community College. He graduated from the University of Iowa in May 1973.

Patrick married his college sweetheart, Darlene Diane Sabus, on June 22, 1974 and they resided in West Des Moines, Iowa their entire married life. They celebrated their 40th Anniversary in June 2014.

Patrick worked for GAB Business Services and then, in 1978, took a job with Beisser Lumber Company. He spent 36 years at Beisser Lumber Company, 19 years as Vice President and General Manager, and nine years as President, until his retirement on June 30, 2014.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for over 40 years and was a Charter Member and Third Degree Knight of Columbus. At Sacred Heart, he was a past member of the Parish Council and Finance Committee, and had been Chairman of the annual fundraiser. He also served on the board for the Annual Diocesan Appeal for the Diocese of Des Moines, and became Co-Chairman of the campaign. In addition, he was a past Co-Chairman of the Dowling Catholic High School Appeal Drive. He was a member of the Exchange Club Breakfast Club for over 30 years and was a past President.

He was a lifetime member of the University of Iowa Alumni Association, and a 40+ year season ticket holder for Iowa Football. Go Hawks!

Patrick is survived by his wife Darlene, and three daughters, Jennifer, Seattle, Washington; Jody, Des Moines, Iowa; and Carrie (Nic Wiltshire), Cape Town, South Africa. He is survived by his siblings, Joe (Rosanne), Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Vicki (Dave) Bailey, Dallas, Oregon; Mike (Linda), Temecula, California; Rick (Mary), Olathe, Kansas; Kathy (Bruce) Moore, Iowa Falls, Iowa; and Rose, Charlotte, North Carolina. He was beloved by his nieces and nephews and affectionately known as "Funny Uncle Pat." He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Rita, and his brother David.

Patrick, Darlene, and family thank Dr. Tom Buroker, Nurses Michelle and Pat, and the entire fifth floor staff of the John Stoddard Cancer Center, who consistently provided excellent care to him over the years.

The family will receive visitors from 3:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, July 24 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, with a time for remembrance and sharing at 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, July 25, at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart.

Patrick will be remembered for his integrity and humility. He also shared his time and resources generously. Patrick worked hard, but he played hard, traveling around the world and enjoying many fun summers at Battle Lake, Minnesota. Most of all, he will be remembered for his extraordinary sense of humor!

In lieu of flowers, Patrick requested that memorial contributions go to the family for distribution among three nonprofit organizations where his daughters try to make a positive impact: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project; American Friends Service Committee Immigrants’ Voice Program; and the Shine Centre of South Africa.

Online condolences may be expressed at
www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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