Patsy Ellen Blunck

Patsy Ellen Blunck, age 90, passed away of natural causes on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at her home of 63 years in Des Moines.

Pat was born October 18, 1931, in Kansas City, Missouri to Essie (Wolver) and Jack Stewart. She graduated from Northeast High in Kansas City in 1948. While attending a Des Moines Lincoln High School dance with her cousin Margie, Pat met her future husband, Darrel Blunck. They were married on August 19, 1951, and would have celebrated their 71st anniversary this month. Pat worked tirelessly as an office manager for CWA Local 7102 for 44 years. She was a meticulous bookkeeper and organizer and was relied on by many union members to track negotiations and grievances. An outside auditor once told Pat she kept the best books he had ever seen.

Pat also had many outside interests. She volunteered at Living History Farms, belonged to Sister Cities of Des Moines traveling to Kofu, Japan, and was active in Friendship Force International taking trips to Wales, Austria, and Australia. Both she and Darrel enjoyed an amazing journey to China and the Great Wall.

But the heart of Pat’s life was her family. Pat attended countless school events and graduations. Pat was a take charge person, always making plans for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. She wanted only the best for her family.

She is survived by her husband, Darrel; her children, Karen (Michael) Caligiuri of Indianola, Scott (Beverly) Blunck of St. Augustine, and Laura Blunck of Des Moines; daughter-in-law, Doreen Blunck of Des Moines; grandchildren, Michelle (Tim) Kelly of Norwalk, Eric (Debbie) Caligiuri of Indianola, Ryan (Sahar) Blunck of Chicago, Lauren (Andrew) Gulotta of New York City, Caroline Blunck of Jacksonville, and Kaitlin Blunck of Des Moines; great-grandchildren, Allison, Rachael, Olivia, Finley, Aidan, Lily, and Thomas; and many extended family and loving friends.

Pat was preceded in death by her son, Kirk Von Blunck.

There will be a memorial visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 12, 2022 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Animal Lifeline or to the Des Moines Public Library.

The family wishes to thank Caring Hearts for their kind and gentle care since 2019.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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