Pata, Wencil Frank

Wencil Frank Pata, 85, of Lisbon, passed away Monday, June 3, 2013, at the Solon Care Center from complications of pneumonia.

Wencil was born Nov. 27, 1927, in Marion, Kan., and spent 53 of his most cherished years married to Stella Zach Pata. He worked 47 years for Iowa Steel and Iron Works, along with working 10 years for Iowa Iron as a foundry foreman. (This was actually the same company, but was bought out by a fellow employee after 47 years.) He was also a member of the Mount Vernon Methodist Church for many years.

He was known as “Poppy” to all of his family and grandchildren. All who knew him could enjoy being teased and would learn of his many, wonderful stories. Poppy liked to work in his garden, sit under the shade trees in his yard that he planted, and go fishing. Other hobbies included taking vacations with his family and grandchildren. Many vacations were spent visiting the Iowa State Fair and museums.

Visitation will be held at Morgan Funeral Home in Mount Vernon from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday. A celebration of his life will be held with funeral services at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 7, with Pastor Becky High officiating. Graveside services will be at the Lisbon Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to his wife, Stella, with plans to divide between Mount Vernon Methodist Church and the Solon Care Center.

Wencil was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Emma (Trachta) Pata; and sisters, Helen, Pauline, Marie and Betty.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Stella; daughter, Pam; son, Paul (Dee); six grandchildren; a great-grandchild; brothers, Frank and Ray; and sister, Georgie.

The family would like to thank St. Luke's Hospital and nursing staff, along with St. Luke's Hospice and the Solon Care Center for all of their wonderful care.

Published June 6, 2013 in The Gazette