Patricia "Pat" Ipsen

March 17, 1948 ~ July 16, 2023
Patricia "Pat" Ipsen age 75 of New Hampton, IA, died Sunday, July 16, 2023, at 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City, IA.
A Gathering of family and friends will be held 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 23, 2023 at the Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton followed by a Remembrance Service at 4:00 p.m. For those unable to attend the service in person please join the family via Livestream at the link below.
https://foveo.stream/hugeback-johnson/patricia-ann-ipsen
Patricia Ann Ipsen, a remarkable woman, educator, and community advocate, was born on March 17, 1948, in Newark, New Jersey. Patricia, a gracious and dedicated individual, devoted her life to the service of others, both in her professional and personal pursuits. Her kindness, intelligence, and thoughtfulness left an indelible mark on the hearts of all those who knew her.
After graduating from Jefferson Community High School in 1966, Patricia went on to pursue higher education at the State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She earned her degree in 1969 and later returned to the University of Northern Iowa to obtain her Master's Degree in Library Media Science. Her passion for learning and her desire to become a librarian fueled her academic journey.
During her time at UNI, Patricia met the love of her life, Bill Ipsen, who was her roommate's brother. Despite the time it took for their paths to align, as Bill was serving our country in the Navy, the two eventually found each other and embarked on a brief courtship. They were married on December 18, 1971, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The newlyweds initially made their home in an apartment on Main Street in New Hampton before eventually settling on a beautiful acreage north of the town, where they established their forever home in May of 1974.
Patricia's professional life was dedicated to teaching and the pursuit of knowledge. She began her career teaching 11th-grade English in New Hampton from 1969 to 1978. Following this, she owned and operated a bookstore in the town from 1978 to 1986. Patricia's lifelong dream of becoming a librarian came to fruition in 1987 when she took on the role at New Hampton, a position she held for 30 years until her retirement in 2016. Pat was instrumental in planning and soliciting donations for the new library in New Hampton in the early 1990’s.
Outside of her work, Patricia's interests were many and varied. She loved canning tomatoes, a food she held sacred. "Ravioli Day" was a treasured family affair annually, that grew into support community fundraisers as well. Cooking, baking, and entertaining were all passions that Patricia pursued with great joy. The arts also played a significant role in her life, with her love for musicals, concerts, and crocheting being just a few of her many hobbies. She also enjoyed water aerobics, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her loved ones.
Patricia's life was deeply impacted by her involvement in organizations, such as Rotary, Sorority, and Senior Life Solutions. Pat often spoke these words of wisdom, "Be kind to each other and enjoy each other's company; and, do not be afraid!", which reflect her caring and compassionate nature, as well as her desire to express her gratitude to others who have made a difference in her life.
Patricia Ann Ipsen leaves behind a legacy of kindness, intelligence, reliability, and thoughtfulness. Her life was one of service to others, both in her professional and personal capacities. As we remember and celebrate her life, we are reminded of the importance of being kind, embracing our passions, and supporting our communities. Patricia's light will continue to shine through the many lives she touched and the memories she created.
Survivors include her husband, Bill “Buddy” of New Hampton; two brothers, Robert (Sherry) Hale of OK, Charles Jeffrey Hale of PA; brothers-in-law, David (Jackie) Ipsen of Moline, IL, Roger (Deb) Ipsen of Homestead, IA; sisters-in-law, Elaine (Bill) Beach of Greene, IA, Mary (Allen) Smith of Oxford Junction, IA; 15 beloved nieces and nephews and 27 great-nieces and nephews whom they celebrated holidays and special occasions together as family. Extended family members include the O’Donohoe and Strum Families. She was preceded in death by her parents.
I am so sorry to hear this . My prayers and sympathies Bill?
Prayers and condolences to Pat’s family.
Jan Manson
So very sorry to read this. Sympathies Bill!
Rosanna Beckman Timmerman
Our deepest sympathy to you Bill in your loss.
Sending prayers! Fond memories of Pat.
My sympathies to the family
Sending our condolences. Pat was a special lady.
So sorry! Sympathy to the family.🙏🏻🙏🏻
So sorry for your loss Bill. Pat was quite a special lady. May she rest in peace.
Hugs!
Sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady.
So very sorry to hear this. Rest well Pat🙏
My deepest sympathy Bill. 🥰
Sending prayers
So very sorry, Bill. Pat was a wonderful person. Sending you prayers for peace. ♡
We’re sorry to hear this. Our sympathies to Bill.
So sorry to hear this, Bill. Our sympathy to you.
So sorry for your loss Bill..Pat was a kind, sweet lady.
My sympathy to you, Bill.
My deepest sympathy to Bill, family and friends. Pat was a very special lady and will be missed in this community. She did make a positive difference in this world, especially at the library. Rest In Peace, Pat. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
So sorry to hear this. Our sympathy!!
My sympathy to the family
So sorry to hear this, sympathy to you Bill, prayers as well 🙏.
So Sorry!
So sorry for your loss
So very sorry Bill such a sweet and kind lady RIP Pat ✝️
Sympathy and prayers to the family!
Prayers 🙏🙏
My sympathy to Bill so very sorry!
Prayers and my sympathies.
Sending our sympathies 😢
Thinking of you, Bill.
Our sympathies to you, Bill. She touched many lives and will be missed by many 🥰
So sorry for your loss
My prayers and sympathy.
Sympathy for all the family
So sorry for your loss Bill. Thoughts and prayers.
Sending our sincere sympathies, Bill.
So sorry for your loss, Bill. What a wonderful lady Pat was.
So sorry for your loss prayers for Pat and her family.
Sympathy to all who knew this wonderful lady. And especially to her family.
My heartfelt sympathy to you, Bill. Lifing in my prayers.🙏
So sorry for your loss.
My sincere sympathy to Bill!
Sorry to hear this, Pat was such an intelligent and kind person. Sympathies to Bill.
So sorry to hear, Pat was special. Heaven gained a special angel.
So sad to hear this, you have my sympathy
So sorry she was a good neighbor
Such a special lady. You have my sympathy, Bill.
Bill, Our sincere condolences. Dave and Kathy Boss
Thoughts & Prayers
So sorry for your loss
My sympathy to Pat’s husband Bill and all of her family and friends.
So sorry for your loss ! 🙏
Prayers for all the people impacted by the loss of Pat. She touched many lives.
So sorry for this incredible loss! 😢 🙏
Very sorry to hear this news.
So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. My sympathy to Bill, her family and friends.
Prayers and thinking of you
Our deepest sympathies
Our deepest sympathy.
Oh so very sorry to hear this. Our deepest sympathies Bill.
So sorry, Bill. Sending our sympathy.
Bill so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Condolences to all!
so sorry bill
Sorry for your loss Bill. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers to you Bill.
Bill, thinking of you.
From one librarian to another – my sincere sympathy to the family and she will be missed.
So very sorry to hear this! Our sympathy to you Bill.
So sorry.
Sympathy and prayers.
So sorry to hear this!
Sympathy to the family
I’m so sorry for your loss Bill💕
Sorry to hear this, Bill. Pat was a very special lady.
Our sincere sympathy to Bill and the family.
Deepest sympathies, very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of the family.
Our sympathy, prayers and thoughts for you Bill.
Sending prayers for the family 🙏
So sorry for your loss Bill!
Our deepest sympathy!!!
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family❤️
So sorry for your loss Bill.
So sorry for your loss Mr. Ipsen 😞
Very sorry for your loss, Bill. She was a gift to the community through the library.
Pat was an amazing woman. She will be missed.
Sympathies to the family and friends
Sorry for your loss. May she Rest in Peace!
Sorry to hear
So sorry for your loss
Very sorry to hear this…. The library was my favorite place growing up, and Pat was a big reason why
Pat was a blessing to all the organizations she belonged to; she was a passionate leader. She will be dearly missed.
My prayers are with you.
There are so many stories and chapters that can fill one’s book. I am blessed to have been part of Pat’s. She was an incredible librarian and mentor. Hugs Bill.
Mike and I are so sorry to hear this, please accept our sympathy
RIP Pat!! She’ll be missed by many.
Deepest sympathies. She was a wonderful woman.
Very sorry to hear. My sympathy to Bill and family.
Always a bright smile – cherish those special memories. A great teacher and lady who will be missed.
My deepest sympathy
Sincere sympathy Bill🙏🏻
RIP Pat!
Sorry for your loss
Deepest sympathy Bill🙏
Our sympathy.
My sympathy to all.
Very sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers to the family. 🙏🏻
😞
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Condolences to Bill and the family.
So for your loss! Thoughts and prayers with all of you 🙏 ❤️
So sad to hear
My deepest sympathy Bill. Pat was so caring and generous to others. Always kind.
So sorry for your loss, Bill. We are donating to Planned Parenthood in memory of Pat.
So sorry for you loss Bill. Pat was my 11th grade English teacher back in 1972-1973. And when she had the bookstore downtown, I bought books from her. Then when she was the librarian at the library, I would stop in and chat with her. She was such a sweet lady! You have my deepest sympathy. 🙏
Deepest sympathy to her family
I have very fond memories of being a child and going to Read Well Books with my mom…always a magical place to be. As a child, the New Hampton public library was my favorite place in town, and Pat was always so accommodating and patient! I had aspirations to become a librarian, and interviewed Pat for a school project once… Her love of library science was contagious. In her later years, she was a wonderful friend to my parents. Much respect to Pat- her presence in the community will be missed.
Aunt Pat
Thank you for being you
Memories are cherished till we meet again
Enjoy exploring the Akashic Library
Love Jim
Sympathy to all family
Miss Hale was my English teacher in most likely her first stint…she was so young & we were so obnoxious. Many years later she knew my mom so well that she always knew books mom would like & catered to that & supplied the Large Print variety for old ladies who preferred to read “silly books” than watch the Hallmark channel ad nauseum. She holds a special place in my memories.
So sorry for your loss Bill. She was a Wonderful person!!
So sorry for your loss Bill . Our deepest sympathies and prayers to you. Donnie and Delores Knutson
Thoughts and prayers to Bill, family, and friends!Pat did so much for our community🙏🏻
So sorry for your loss. I’m thinking of you Bill.
Pat shared her life with so many that she will be missed by everyone. Our sympathy and prayers to you Bill and all your family.
Such a great and caring sole. New Hampton will miss you.
So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I first met her during a water aerobics class in the 90s. She made a lasting impression, so fun & bubbly! My sympathy, and prayers to her family.
Was always greeted with a smile at the library when she was there❤️rest in peace Pat
So sorry for your loss Bill. I remember Pat being in the library at the high school when I was teaching there. She will definitely be missed by ALL who knew her. Sincerely Dave and Kay Rasmussen.
May her memories console you today. She was a great teacher! Jeanne Roder
Bill – So sorry to hear about the loss of Patricia. I was always fond of the conversation with you both when back in town…and the smell of dried morel mushrooms! She will be forever missed but memories of her will live on. Our prayers are with you.
The Lentz Family,
Nate, Jordan, Waylon and Charlie
Bill we are so saddened to hear about Patricia. She was such a caring person and a special cousin. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sending much love. Phyllis and Tony Ferraro
So sorry for your loss, 🙏❤️
Although a true “Iowan”, Patricia never forgot her NJ Italian roots or families. Those of you, like us, lucky enough to taste those raviolis and the many other traditional Italian dishes and desserts, would agree! Aunt Ursula, her mom, would be proud.
So many memories made between visits there and here from time with Bill, her parents, aunt Ursula and uncle Charles, and her brothers and their families, to our kids catching their 1st fish and enjoying their welcoming home. Born cousins, loved like a sister, missed already.
Love, from NJ,
our Fuller families
Sorry for your loss Bill, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Maria Erickstad
Lakeview Lodge
Devils Lake, ND
Patricia Bill Ipsen was an amazing woman. Her love of books was unsurpassed. I often looked to her “book list” for recommendations. Great cookbooks and poetry books would arrive at my doorstep from Patricia, unsolicited. As a librarian, I bet there was none more caring or capable in the whole of the Midwest. She was a great farm to table cook long before the term was coined. A true foodie! I’m glad I got to talk to her one last time just two weeks ago but wish I had said more…. She will be missed greatly by her New Jersey (Gueci) cousins and their children. Love you Patricia! – Joseph Crapanzano
I am very Sorry for your loss Bill, you are in my thughts and prayers, Pat was a wonderful person!
Kendall Rosauer
On behalf of the NHHS Class of 1969, our sincere condolences to Pat’s family. Her obituary was so touching; so true💕
Pat, you closed out the final chapter here on earth, now may God name you “head librarian ” in heaven. Denny Lautner classmate 1966. Rest peacefully.
My deepest sympathy to the family
Bill, my condolences on the loss of Pat. I appreciate how she encouraged my love of reading my directing me to new shelves to read at the library. I also appreciate all her support and sacrifice during our OM years. The love and committment you both shared is inspiring. I am thankful for her life.
Sarah (Reicks) Soriano and family
My condolences Bill sorry for your loss!
So sorry for your loss Bill! Pat was a wonderful and caring person who will be greatly missed!
Pat was am incredibly generous and happy hostess who loved to share her love all food but especially Italian food, her incredible knowledge and love of books, gardens, flowers, plays, dogs and people.
As we have all said, “Bill and Pat” or “Pat and Bill”: I can only imagine the connection you both have and the pain, sorrow, fear that you had and have. Good grief, a common saying that seems like the two words are in conflict with each other, until I watched the memorial service. Good grief reflects on love, the gifts, and the lasting impression. My deepest condolences. I will always remember Pat’s smile, embrace, laugh, and appetite for learning and sharing what she had learned.
Thank you, PAT for helping ESL get a grant.
We didn’t know how to do it.
joyce Ives