Richard "Pat" J. Von Bank

Richard “Pat” James Von Bank, 87, of Clear Lake died peacefully at his home with his loving family, on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

A Funeral Mass was held Monday, March 11, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with Reverend Josh Link officiating. Burial took place at the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation was held on Sunday, March 10, from 4-6 p.m. at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with scriptural wake at 6 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus rosary following.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, or St. Croix Hospice, in Pat’s memory.

Pat was born on June 1, 1936, in Irvington, Iowa, to John and Christena (Kenne) Von Bank, the sixth of seven children. Pat joined the National Guard in Algona, Iowa in 1959 through 1965 and earned the title of Sergeant E5. Pat was honored by a Life Saving Certificate because he pulled a man from an overturned car filled with water in December of 1959.

Pat met the love of his life while getting his vehicle serviced at the Ford Garage in Algona and they were married 18 months later. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth (Betty) Dorweiler in Armstrong, Iowa, on Sept. 5, 1961 and they were blessed with their daughter, Nancy.

The family moved from Algona to Clear Lake in 1964 and owned Pat’s OK Tire until his retirement in 1992. Pat was a hard worker, both in the office and in the back of the shop doing all that was necessary to give all who walked in great customer service. The annual St. Patrick’s tire sale was every March and frosted donuts and coffee were available in appreciation of their customers. Pat was well-known in the community and was a friend to all who met him.

The couple were long-time active members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where Pat was an usher. He was also a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and served as financial secretary for 12 years. The Knights’ float in the 4th of July parade was a fun event for him. KC monthly breakfasts’ after mass was another activity Pat enjoyed. After retiring from tires, he helped the custodian and later became the head custodian for St Patrick’s.

Pat enjoyed camping on weekends to get away from the phone, playing cribbage with his family, telling jokes with his family and friends and traveling on BFGoodrich trips. During retirement, he read books, did search a word and went on many walks with Betty.

Those left to cherish Pat’s memories are his wife, Betty; daughter, Nancy Agan, West Des Moines; brother, Robert Von Bank, Algona; sisters-in-law, Helen Youngwirth, Wesley, Patty Bode, Algona, Mary Peterson, Lake Mills, Bonnie Barickman, Belmond,  Cathy Tauke, Council Bluffs, Michele Dorweiler, Clear Lake; brothers-in-law, Robert Peterson, Lake Mills, Grant Barickman, Belmond, Tony Tauke, Council Bluffs; Ken Dorweiler, Clear Lake; and several nieces and nephews.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents, John and Christena Von Bank; brothers, Harold (Betty) Von Bank, John (Blondie) Von Bank, Melvin (Anna Marie) Von Bank; sisters, Mary Arlene (Robert) Wood, Geraldine Von Bank; parents-in-law, George (Lucille) Dorweiler; sisters-in-law, Kay Von Bank, Eleanor Dorweiler, Judy Bleich; brothers-in-law, Joseph Dorweiler, Dave Youngwirth, Raymond Dorweiler, Marvin Bode; and several nieces and nephews.

Ward-Van-Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.