Patsy Ann Huenecke

Patsy Ann Huenecke, age 92, of Okoboji, formerly of Holstein, passed away December 14, 2025 surrounded by loved ones at Ruthven Community Care Center of Ruthven. A funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church, 1525 Three Cross Road, Milford Iowa on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Brian Jack officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. There will be a luncheon following the service. Burial will be at the Holstein Cemetery.

Patsy was born October 29, 1933 in Holstein, Iowa the daughter of Earl and Mabel Ellerbusch. She attended Holstein High School where she graduated in1951. She married Dale Huenecke of Holstein on August 24, 1952 and they spent the next 57 years together before Dale lost his battle to cancer in 2009. Following their wedding, Patsy worked the books at her father’s hatchery while Dale served time in the army. When Dale returned, Patsy and Dale took over the Huenecke family farm and raised 5 children there: Joni, Jeri, Marty, Tammy and Tom. They instilled in their children a strong work ethic and the importance of family love and loyalty.

Patsy enjoyed cooking and baking, hosting family and friends, playing bridge and cribbage, investing in the stock market, and working on the farm. She loved to entertain and was always known in the family to be the pie maker for holidays and special events.

In 1989 Patsy and Dale bought a 2nd home in Okoboji. They were blessed to gain an expanded network of friends who would often gather on their deck to enjoy the beautiful lake view……and perhaps a couple of cocktails. Patsy always took time to visit with anyone who stopped by. And she loved swimming in the lake and going for long walks. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a caring and intelligent woman. Though dementia won out in the end, she never lost her ability to laugh and love.

Patsy leaves behind her loving partner, Ed Hendrickson. Patsy and Ed shared a love of Okoboji lake life, travel, and frequent visits to family and friends.

Patsy is survived by her children Joni Daemen, Jeri (Tom) Hoffert, Marty (Robin) Huenecke, Tammy (Chris) Deible, and Tom (Michelle) Huenecke. She is also survived by her grandchildren Natalie Daemen, Nicole (Ben) Vinck, Nick (April) Hoffert, Marcell (Josh) Michaelsen, Megan (Matt) McLin, Bobby Huenecke, Brittany Huenecke, Jamie Huenecke, Kennedy Mason, Gabi Mason, Ethan Mason, Derek (Sara) Huenecke, and Kelli (Corey) Vasquez and her great-grandchildren Asher Hoffert, Vivian Hoffert, Vaughn Michaelsen, River Michaelsen, Tevis McLin, Anden McLin, Lux Vasquez, Urban Vasquez, and Indie Vasquez; her niece Karen (Shawn) Kay and nephew Tom (Hope) Ellerbusch and other relatives.

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband Dale, her parents Earl and Mabel Ellerbush and brother and sister-in-law Rod and Patty Ellerbusch.

The family wishes to thank the staff members of Ruthven Community Care Center and Gentiva Health for their loving care. All have been a true blessing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ruthven Community Care Center, PO Box 430, Ruthven, IA 51358.