Patricia Loers

Patricia Ann Loers 90, of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, at Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa.

She was born Patricia Ann Tott on Nov. 6, 1921, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, the first child of Arthur Tott and Ruth (Davison) Tott. Her family lived in Estherville, Iowa, for a time before returning to Spirit Lake.  After graduating from Spirit Lake High School in 1939 she worked in Spirit Lake where she met her future husband, Lloyd.  When World War II broke out she traveled alone to San Diego to marry Lloyd in 1942.  They both worked in the shipyards where she was one of many “Rosie the Riveters.”

After the war they lived in Spencer, Iowa, Yuma, Ariz., Mason City, Quincy, Ill., Maui, Hawaii, finally settling in their long time home on the lake in Clear Lake.

Patty was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mason City.  Through the church, PTA, and TTT she worked on many projects throughout her life to improve local education and the lives of underprivileged people.  She was an avid bridge player, loved to read, and loved to spend time with her family.

She passionately loved the 30 years she and Lloyd lived in Maui.  She did not just passively enjoy the islands, but learned the Hawaiian language, the names of the birds and plants, and the history of all the islands.  She fully embraced the Hawaiian culture.  Visitors to her home in Maui would be taken to all the places that tourist never get to see.  It was magical for her and Lloyd and she loved every day she was there.

Her last years in Clear Lake were spent surrounded by her family.  Her house was a gathering place where all the kids, grandkids and great grandkids spent time barbecuing on the lakeside deck, fishing and boating.  It was a special ending to a good life.  She will be greatly missed.

Patty is survived by a son, Stephen (Penny) Loers of Clear Lake and a daughter, Ann (Richard) Spiegel of Yakima, Wash.; sister, Bonnie Clark; sister-in-law, Marilyn King; and brother-in-law, Howard Loers.  She leaves five grandchildren: Cassie and Jeff Bartholomew and daughters, Jennifer, Kory and Kelli and sons, Stephen and Kaden; Chris Loers and Michelle Peterson and sons, Austin and Chase; Chris and Kiara Spiegel and daughter, Felicity; Kevin and Kelsey Spiegel and daughter, Fiona. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lloyd; her son, Douglas; brother-in-law, Jack; brother-in-law Lynn; and sister-in-law, Jo.

A private memorial service is planned for next spring.  Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa, in care of the Loers family. 

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