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Patricia Karen Amrhein
Patricia Karen Amrhein
Cedar Rapids
Patricia Karen Amrhein, 77, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, in Hiawatha, Iowa, surrounded by love.
Born on February 18, 1948 in Burlington, Vermont, to F. Joseph and Ethel Marie Amrhein, Patricia was the eldest of four siblings. She spent most of her life in Vermont, nearly ten years on a small island off Maine's coast, and her later years in Iowa, close to her children and grandchildren.
Patricia dedicated her career to helping others succeed and education, first serving the State of Vermont and later at Trinity College of Vermont for more than 25 years. As Director of Academic Advising and later, Assistant Academic Dean, she guided countless students, many of whom were nontraditional learners, helping them achieve their dreams. She cherished the lifelong friendships formed at Trinity and valued the college’s deep connection to her family. A lifelong learner and gifted teacher, Patricia shared her love of film through popular courses that explored life’s complexities through cinema.
Patricia earned a master’s in counseling and completed doctoral coursework in organizational systems.
Patricia held a quiet, yet strong relationship with faith. She deeply admired the Sisters of Mercy and their values of mercy and justice; principles that gently informed her outlook on life. She loved to travel, books, theater, and movies.
Patricia’s favorite time was spent with her children and grandchildren. She made these times a priority in her later life, and the impact it had on those she leaves behind is immeasurable. Her laughter, wit, and passion will be fondly remembered.
Patricia is survived by her beloved children: Shayna Fridinger (Jon), twins Colin Hennessy (Jeremy Cohen), and Meghan Davis (Neal); and six cherished grandchildren: Allison Vandersee (Layne), Riley Fridinger, Jacob Fridinger, Lily Davis, Cecilia Davis, and Alexander Hennessy-Cohen, as well as her siblings Keith Amrhein (Denise Bradford Amrhein), Victoria Amrhein, and Susan Zube (Daryl), her nieces and nephews; and a far-reaching community of family and friends.
A life celebration will be held in Vermont in 2026. Memorials may be directed to Hiawatha Care Center, One Iowa, or The Trevor Project.
Please place online condolences at www.lensingfuneral.com
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