Patricia “Patty” Dunlap

Patricia “Patty” Dunlap

Iowa City

Patricia “Patty” Dunlap, age 70, longtime resident of Iowa City, died at her home, with her husband Terry, by her side, on Wednesday December 10, 2025.

A time for family and friends to gather and share their memories will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm Friday, December 19, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. In conclusion, there will be a short service starting at 5:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Patty’s honor to the preschool program at Parkview Church in Iowa City or Grace Community Church in North Liberty. To share a thought, memory or condolence, please visit the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at www.gayandciha.com.

Patricia Mara Chelesvig was born May 4, 1955, in Clarion, Iowa, the daughter of Tom and G. Nadine (Nickell) Chelesvig. During her high school years she participated in 4-H, enjoyed cheerleading and sewing. Following graduation from Webster City High School in 1973, she married Terry Hunter who tragically passed within a year of their marriage. Patty attended and graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in Early Childhood Education. One spring night in 1977, Patty asked Terry Dunlap to dance. The dance continued on for 42 years. They married on July 9, 1983, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Iowa City, and to this union their daughter Nadia was born. Patty and Terry made their home in Iowa City.

Patty’s most proud title was being mom, and it brought Patty so much pride and joy being a mom to Nadia. Whether it was sewing matching mother daughter outfits while Nadia was little, or dressing in similar western style until the day Patty passed, they were like twins. Together they loved thrifting, vintage shops, sewing, and designing denim jackets. Patty’s encouragement, inspiration, and mutual love, has played a large part in Nadia’s continued pursuit for style and fashion. Patty loved to serve at Parkview Church. She volunteered with Pre-K and loved sharing Jesus with the little ones. The second half of her Sunday morning was in fellowship at Grace Community Church in North Liberty. She loved her family, friends, children, music, dancing, traveling, sewing, the aspen trees in Colorado, and a simple cup of coffee to start each day. She loved her Bible and listening to Joyce Meyer. She truly enjoyed life, and her strong faith and love for Jesus Christ our Savior didn’t go unnoticed. God’s love was shared through her daily actions, and she often reminded us that “He has a plan, trust Him”.

Her co-workers at the University of Iowa Academic Advising Center and fellow volunteers at Parkview Church were more than just coworkers, they were friends. She was thankful to have them all in her life. There was nothing selfish about Patty, always willing to give. She had so much courage, strength, faith, grace, grit and determination to overcome cancer. Terry and Nadia are eternally thankful to all family and friends who helped us navigate this journey, the doctors, nurses, support staff, and Essence of Life Hospice, Amana Iowa.

Patty is survived by her husband Terry, their daughter, Nadia; Patty’s father, Tom Chelesvig, siblings Pam Chelesvig, Russ Chelesvig (Beth), and Bart Chelesvig (Susie). Terry Dunlap’s siblings, Dennis Dunlap, Diane Dunlap (Linda Myers), and Steve Dunlap (Sue). Her first husband’s siblings, Mary Beth Moore (Rick), Linda Hunter, Bill Hunter (Kathy); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Patty was preceded in death by her mother, Nadine; her first husband, Terry Hunter; stepmother, Patti Chelesvig; nephew, Taylor Dunlap; and special chihuahua, Coco Dunlap.

To Quote Patty:

“And as mom said when she was ill….and now that mine feels the same”

‘Rich in Blessings my life has been

With the love of family and the love of friends

The love of God who forgives my sins

And offers life to infinite ends, I gave my all

I join my Lord and Savior now, for I have heard him call’.

Nadine Chelesvig