Elsie “Pat” (Patrick) Blase, age 93, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Dakota Sun Assisted Living in Volga, SD.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Wentworth, SD, following the meal.
Pat was born on July 29, 1931, the daughter of John and Margaret (McGraw) Patrick in Sioux Falls, SD. She received her education in Whittier Grade School and graduated from Washington High School in 1949. During high school, Pat also attended South Dakota Beauty Academy, and then worked as a hair stylist in Sioux Falls for one year.
On July 7, 1950, Pat was united in marriage to Marvin G. Blase at the East Side Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, SD. They were married 52 years until Marv’s death in 2002. In 1951, the young couple moved to Volga, SD, where they raised their family, owned several businesses, and lived for the rest of their lives. They were members of the Olivet Presbyterian Church, where she served on the Session Board, the Board of Trustees, and belonged to the United Presbyterian Women’s Group. She was also active in several local service and social groups.
Pat owned and operated “Pat’s Beauty Shop” for 64 years, first in her home and then on Main Street in Volga. She was dedicated to the service of her customers, often providing them with transportation to and from appointments at the beauty shop, or going to the homes of clients in need of her services. Pat worked for many years in the Beauty Shop at the former Brookview Manor in Brookings. She also served as the hair stylist for several area funeral homes.
Preceding Pat in death were her parents John and Margaret Patrick; her husband, Marvin; and one sister, Mary Jane (Arthur) Tims.
Pat is survived by two children: Nancy (Greg) Rexwinkel, of Lincoln, NE, and Scott (Deb) Blase of Volga, SD; five grandchildren: Erin (Ashley) Allen, Derek Blase, Jill (Wayne) Riekhof, Tom (Steph) Rexwinkel, and Dan Rexwinkel; eight great-grandchildren: Abbey, Ainsley, and Audrey Allen, Madysen (Shannon Rebelein) Brewer, Rowan Blase, Deacon and Harris Fellers, Sadie Rexwinkel and bonus great-grandchildren, Holden and Lucy Riekhof.
The family wishes to thank Dakota Sun Assisted Living for the kind and compassionate care Pat has received over her last seven years, allowing her to live her final days in Volga, her beloved hometown.
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, FL. 17 Chicago, IL 60601 (alz.org).
