Pat's longing for a life without disabilities and to be with her beloved, Bob, was granted on November 14, 2020 at 6:00 A.M. as she passed away peacefully. She was able to spend quality time with family and friends in the comfort of her own townhome for the past 3 months after leaving Assisted Living. She was so happy to be home again, free to live life, and to be physically touched by those who dearly loved her.

Pat's beginnings were difficult. Born premature, her biological mother Alta (Cooper) died due to complications and Pat's father, James Davis, was unable to care for her himself. Carl Grayson and Elsie (Sikkink) Parish became her adopted parents when she was just two months old. They changed her name to Patricia Lou Parish. "Patty" enjoyed life in the little town of Waubay, S.D. She frequented her cousin Sikkink's farm, riding horseback and spent many weekends at Blue Dog and Pickeral Lake. She enjoyed going to the movies with her cousins and her father. After losing her father at age 10 to a sudden accident, she would be raised by a single mother. During high school at Waubay, she was a cheerleader and the Home Coming Queen. She was described as a slender, blonde haired, vivacious girl who was the life of the party. Her rendition of the "Waubay Dragons" cheer, lives on within her family and as she would show her girls how "cheering" was supposed to be done.

After high school, Pat attended Nursing School in Aberdeen, S.D., where she met William C. Hauck, who attended Northern State College. They were married in Waubay, S.D. in 1957. They were blessed with 4 children: Patti (Tom) Winkler, William (Mary) Hauck, Carl Hauck, and Elizabeth (Mark) Baracani; 8 grandchildren: Clay Winkler, Danielle Smith, Chase Winkler, Dante Baracani, Dawson Baracani, Allie Hauck, Michael J. Ramos, and Johnathan Copping., and 5 great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Smith, Paige and Cash Winkler, Emmalee and James Ramos.

After moving to Spearfish in 1965, Pat began working as a Spearfish School District Nurse from 1966 until becoming the Health Nurse at Black Hills State College (University) in 1968. Pat continued at BHSU for 30 Years as the College Nurse. Many knew Pat not only as the College Nurse, but as a confidant and friend. Because of her dedication to the students, they honored her as Swarm Day "Mom" from 1983 through 1985. Pat was instrumental in establishing an On-Site Physician in her office for the students. She was always putting the students' best interests first and considered her career as the College Nurse one of the great honors of her life.

After meeting Robert Wermers (Rapid City), in 1995, the second chapter of her life had begun. They married in 1996, adding 2 more sons to her family, Greg and Richard Wermers. Two years later in 1998, she retired. As she stated in her resignation letter, " I feel it's time for me to retire and spend quality time with my husband as long as we still have our health, and will be able to travel."

This time of her life was enriched with plenty of time for good friends, enjoying Bridge games, casino trips, and the many travels they had planned. They enjoyed family gatherings from Florida to Washington and adventures throughout the world. Many of their trips were in conjunction with visits to their winter home in Mesa, Arizona where they spent many winters. As Pat said about winter, "No winter sports for me!" She loved the hot weather and the trips south were a delight to both her and Bob. They enjoyed this time of their life to the fullest, but age began to set in and the travels became limited after Pat's stroke in 2012. Bob lost his life in February, 2020 to cancer, leaving Pat devastated and longing to join him.

Therefore, with her passing, Pat would like to thank her life-long friends and relatives, you know who you are, for always being there to support her. She loved each and every one of you. We want to thank you for sharing her life. To all the friends and Home-Health Care Aides who allowed her to have this last life transition (to be back in her home these past 3 months), we are sincerely grateful you helped her to be comfortable in her home.

Now Pat has joined her loving, adoring husband, Robert Wermers, as she wished. During her last days, she accepted Jesus as her savior and we will see her again in Eternity.

Mom, you will be missed and in our hearts always.

An informal gathering to share memories and stories will be held at Jorgensen Park, 2351 N Canyon Street, Spearfish, SD 57783 on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M.

Masks and social distancing precautions suggested.

Condolences can be sent to 216 Yellowstone Place, Spearfish, S.D. 57783 or www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com

A memorial suggestion to:Western Hills Humane Society, 324 Industrial Dr.,Spearfish, S.D. 57783 605-642-1576