Patricia "Pat" Ipsen

patricia
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.

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  1. 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. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

  2. From one librarian to another – my sincere sympathy to the family and she will be missed.

  3. Very sorry to hear this…. The library was my favorite place growing up, and Pat was a big reason why

  4. Pat was a blessing to all the organizations she belonged to; she was a passionate leader. She will be dearly missed.

  5. 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.

  6. Always a bright smile – cherish those special memories. A great teacher and lady who will be missed.

  7. So sorry for your loss, Bill. We are donating to Planned Parenthood in memory of Pat.

  8. 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. 🙏

  9. 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.

  10. Aunt Pat
    Thank you for being you
    Memories are cherished till we meet again
    Enjoy exploring the Akashic Library
    Love Jim

  11. 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.

  12. So sorry for your loss Bill . Our deepest sympathies and prayers to you. Donnie and Delores Knutson

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. Was always greeted with a smile at the library when she was there❤️rest in peace Pat

  16. 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.

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. Sorry for your loss Bill, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

    John and Maria Erickstad
    Lakeview Lodge
    Devils Lake, ND

  21. 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

  22. I am very Sorry for your loss Bill, you are in my thughts and prayers, Pat was a wonderful person!

    Kendall Rosauer

  23. On behalf of the NHHS Class of 1969, our sincere condolences to Pat’s family. Her obituary was so touching; so true💕

  24. 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.

  25. 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

  26. 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.

  27. 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.


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