Patrick Mashek
July 21, 2014
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
Susan Smith
07/31/2014
Darlene,
I was so sorry to hear about Pat's passing. He was such a kind funny man and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. You have my sincere sympathies.
Janet Koerner
07/26/2014
Darlene, so sorry to hear about your husband's death. He was a brave man to endure his illness all these years. May you all find peace knowing he is in good hands. Your Sacred Heart St. Cecilia friend. Janet Koerner.
Bob and Donna Stark
07/26/2014
Darlene and family, we are so sorry to hear about Pat. You have our sincere sympathies. I can still remember meeting the girls I believe at Gail and John's anniversary. Your
Mom talked about them so much and all they had accomplished. So I have always been glad that we met them. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Bruce and Marilynn (Rapp) Buxton
07/25/2014
Darlene and family,
My sister, Sally, emailed us about Pat's death. We are so sorry and send our sincere sympathies on the loss of your wonderful Pat.
He was such a fine person and faithful employee at Beisser Lumber. He worked on several projects for us in our Waverly homes. He will be missed by many.
Mary Ellyn and Doug Thomas
07/25/2014
Darlene, we are so sad to learn of Pat's passing, know he's in a better place, but it's not easy to let go. Pat was one of the best classmates of 69, always a smile for everyone and that laugh could be heard a mile away. He will be sorely missed by us all. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. I didn't know Pat had family in Oregon. We live in Portland. Hugs and blessings.
Perry and Julie Kist
07/25/2014
Darlens and Family,
We remember Pat from Sacred Heart, Dowling band and his "wonderful sense of humor".
You are blessed to have memories, they are your permanent connection to Pat and a beautiful way to meet again.
Thinking of all of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Mike Pavik
07/25/2014
I knew Pat from Holy Rosary School and at St Edmond HS. He was a year younger than me and a grade behind me but was a good friend. He always had a smile and loved to laugh. Our paths might have crossed when I was principal at St. Pius X Catholic School in Urbandale from '88-'93, but they didn't. I will miss him.
Janet & Mark Rosenbury
07/24/2014
Jody, So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Even though I didn't know him, I see a bit of him through your kindness and service to others. Sending your family prayers of peace and comfort at this time.
Dennis & Barb Mashek
07/24/2014
Hugs & Prayers to you Darlene and your girls. There are no words to express our broken hearts!! We will miss that great smile and a fun loving guy. Love you all!!
Ed Ruppert
07/24/2014
Darlene,
God bless your journey of grief. I know that you have been blessed to walk along side Pat all these years, which now must seem so brief. I pray that God will be your comforter, the lifter of your head, and the dryer of you tears. One day He will also turn your mourning into dancing. My sympathies are also for your girls, who must have been much blessed to have Pat as their father. He will always be "cousin happy" to me. He is one who has left an impression for a life time, and made this world quite better. I will miss him too.
-- ed
Johnne & Linda Syverson
07/23/2014
We are saddened by the loss of our longtime neighbor. He was a real leader in his family and in the West Des Moines community. Pat will be especially missed by those living on our block. Our prayers are with Darlene and the family at this time.
Dean and Tracy Mashek
07/23/2014
Our condolences to you, Darlene and your girls. Pat was such a fun loving guy and we always enjoyed seeing the two of you. We are so glad we stopped by to see you in April. We will cherish that visit forever. We truly lost one big Hawkeye fan! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dean & Tracy Mashek
Carrie Van Hemert
07/23/2014
Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers.
Anita and Charles Watkins
07/23/2014
May you, Darlene, and your family take the fond memories with you in the days to come.
Debbie Porter Dressen
07/23/2014
Our sincere condolences to Darlene and family. You are in our prayers. We have fond memories of Pat, especially in our Holy Rosary School days together. I'll always remember his infectious laughter. Rest in peace, Pat.