Patricia Hanson

PATRICIA ANN HANSON

Cedar Rapids

Patricia Ann Hanson, 85, passed away at her home in Cedar Rapids on Jan. 27, 2017, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Pat was born Jan. 8, 1932, in Cedar Rapids to Lawrence Lionel Steggall and Alma Jane (Sampica) Steggall. She was the youngest of six children and only 5 years old when her father died.

Never afraid of hard work, her first job was popping popcorn at the Iowa Theater

as a 15-year-old. Pat was a voracious reader, who would seldom begin a day without finishing her morning crossword puzzle. She had a sharp intellect and keen interest in language, particularly in medical terminology.

Pat graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1949 and worked in Mercy Hospital's Radiology Department from 1949 to 1955. From 1952 to 1960, she was a transcriptionist for several doctors, including E.L. Lindley, F.J. Sloan and R.E. Weland. In 1973, Pat began a 30-year career as a transcriptionist in the medical records department at St. Luke's Hospital.

Pat, who began playing the piano as a child, loved music and movies, playing cards and laughing. Her dry wit and competitive nature made any kind of game or contest exciting. She always was eager to exchange political views, especially if the discussion favored democratic ideals.

In 2011, Pat purchased a Steinway grand piano which provided her a great source of relaxation and pride. Music was often at the forefront of her life, and Pat's love of music was passed down to her children and her grandchildren. Above all of her interests, Pat most valued spending time with her family.

A lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids and member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pat married Albert B. "Barney" Hanson at St. Pat's on Nov. 19, 1955. While raising five children, Pat and Barney often opened their home to their childrens' friends and their friends. It was not uncommon for Pat to put out huge spreads of food. Family and guests savored her legendary made-from-scratch rolls, noodles, pizzas and pies.

She also enjoyed a loving relationship with each of her 12 grandchildren: Rachel (Jesse) Wallace, Zach Stewart (fiancee Annie Sexton), Stephanie (Joel) Heinen, Joe Lasko, Sophie Lasko (fiance James Butler), Matt Lasko, Luke Lasko, Olivia (Travis) Keers, Emily Sheetz, Bobby Sheetz, Ava Melchior and Dane Melchior.

Pat is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Barney; a son, Steve (Diane Clement) of Marshalltown; and daughters, Amy (Greg) Stewart of Fairfax, Jane (Brian) Lasko of Lakeville, Minn., Ann (Bob) Sheetz of Oxford, Ind., and Beth (Steve) Melchior of Fairfax.

Pat was preceded in death by her siblings, Joseph, Lawrence, Francis, Julia and Berniece.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. The family will greet friends at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel on Monday, Jan. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m.

The Hanson family would like to extend its gratitude to the staff of the Ghosh Center in Cedar Rapids for the personal level of care Pat received the past 17 months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Pat's name to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Mercy Hospice or the Anna Purna Ghosh Foundation.