Patricia Kay Blecke

Patricia Kay Blecke, 75, of California, Missouri, took her last breaths on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2019, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, Jefferson City, Missouri. Patty was born on October 1, 1943, in Minneapolis, Minn. to Ivan and Betty (Jusola) Anderson. Valentine's Day was always a very special day for Patty, and actually became a milestone and goal for her last days on Earth. 58 years prior, the love of her life, Gary Blecke, surprised her with an engagement ring and proposal to be his forever bride. She said yes. Patty then graduated Annandale High School in Annandale, Minn. on June 3, 1961. The day following graduation, Pat married Gary and officially became a Blecke. They lived a life of adventure, residing in four of the 50 states, including Minnesota, California, Nebraska and finally Missouri. Gary was the risk taker, but it was Patty who kept him grounded. She was his anchor and biggest fan. Pat was the hardest worker, no matter what hat she was wearing that day. From Homemaker and Mom, farmer, housekeeper, to nursing home activities director, she was the best at whatever she did. Patty loved music and especially playing her bassoon in the community band. She taught her family to sing and to harmonize, and she taught us that music can heal most things. She loved drinking coffee in the morning with her sweet Gary and her cat, "Black Cat". She loved catching up with her dear friends, who are some of the very best. She loved to exercise at the Community Center and was determined to stay physically active. Her home was filled with homemade items from her grands and great grands; she sure did love showing off their artwork. She loved fresh grown flowers and fruits raised by Gary. She loved popcorn and garage sales (she always had a bag of quarters in her car, just in case) and foot rubs and camping and family get-togethers. Mostly she loved her family. Pat is survived by husband Gary and three children: Kim (Shannon) Bryant, Kristi (Shelby) Thacker, and Chad (Karla) Blecke. She has 12 grandchildren: Erin (Aaron) Clark, Samuel (Karyn) Liebler , Ayden Bryant, Ava Bryant, Alec Bryant, Lee (Hope) Thacker, Savana Thacker, Brian (Ashley) Thacker, Scott (Brittany) Thacker, Jean Pierre Espinoza, Lucy Blecke, and Truman Blecke. She has eight great-grandchildren (so far): Raena Clark, Titus Clark, Korbyn Liebler, Rowyn Liebler, Saul Thacker, Mavis Thacker, Kaydence Thacker and Marshall Thacker, Pat is also survived by her sister Sonia (Isaac) Star and nephew Anthony Hill. Pat and Gary taught their family to work hard and be honest, to take risks, and mostly to forgive, to mend, and to love. And Gram Pat, we sure do love you and already miss you dearly. You were our miracle. The family is hosting a Celebration of Life at The Gathering Place, 318 South Oak Street, California, MO 65018 on February 24, 2018, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. A private family inurnment will be held at Flag Spring Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to The California Community Ensemble. Online messages of condolence may be contributed at www.windmillridgefuneralservice.com.