Patricia Ann (Pat) Nemmers

Patricia Ann (Pat) Nemmers

Cedar Rapids

If you’re into numbers, you’ll appreciate that Pat Nemmers passed away on 5-25-25 — a perfect palindrome. It’s the sort of clever, subtle flourish she’d appreciate. She passed away at the Hospice House of Mercy. It’s a place that provides compassionate care with the same grace and kindness she gave others every day.

She was born on September 9, 1932, to Dr. John and Ruth Hanlon in Council Bluffs. Pat lived 92 years with a heart for helping others. Being a woman of wit, wisdom, and warmth, she was a generous soul who could design a floral wreath just as easily as she could win a competitive tennis match.

Pat met the love of her life, Jim, in a Des Moines church choir. They married on February 7, 1953, and their romance continued for an incredible 72 years of marriage, 75 years since their first date. Together they raised three children: Diane (Rick) Stefani, Dan (Jane) Nemmers, and Dr. Doug (Michelle) Nemmers.

A graduate of East High in Des Moines, Pat attended the University of Iowa where she was a proud member of the Delta Gamma sorority. Years later, she completed her degree at Coe College majoring in Elementary Art Education — proof that her passion for learning and creativity only grew stronger with time.

Pat always found time to be creative — expressing herself through needlepoint, flower arranging, antiquing, painting, playing the piano and crafting wreaths from shells collected during her and Jim’s cherished years on the Florida beaches of Sanibel Island.

She found joy in decorating her home and entertaining family and friends, making every gathering special and filled with love. She loved learning about the stock market and started a women’s investment club to share that interest. Pat was skillful in retail sales, combining her fondness of fashion & intuitive customer service with her working at Young Fashions and Amelia’s. She also organized a women’s Third Thursday lunch affectionately known as “7 Forks,” which brought together friends, conversation, and plenty of laughter.

Pat was an active volunteer throughout her life giving her time and talents to organizations such as the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, Linn County Law Wives, Questers, PTA, All Saints Church, and P.E.O. Chapter HJ. This is where she formed lifelong friendships. She also served as President of The Altar and Rosary Society. A longtime member of the Cedar Rapids Country Club, she enjoyed the friendships, traditions, and activities that came with it.

Her competitive spirit shone through in tennis, bridge, and later golf, where she brought her trademark determination and grace. When not on the court or the green, Pat enjoyed reading, tackling crossword puzzles, gardening, and biking along the scenic Sac and Fox Trail — activities that kept her mind sharp and her heart happy.

Her first love was family. Family brought her immense joy and pride through graduations, weddings, and blossoming careers. Living out her legacy are her husband Jim, her three children, & nine grandchildren: Matt (Fallon) Stefani, Dr. AJ (Michael Volenec) Stefani, Stacey (Taylor) McGurk, Renée Nemmers, Danielle (Joslyn) Scott, Mallory (Cory)

VanDyke, John (Courtney) Nemmers, Tommy (Nicole) Nemmers, and Matthew Nemmers. From there, Pat was blessed with 13 great-grandchildren who brought sparkle and energy to her later years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ruth Hanlon, and her brother Jack and his wife, Martine.

Honoring her wishes, no formal service will be held, but a gathering in her honor will be held at Sedlacek Hall at Cottage Grove Place Tuesday, June 10, 2-4 p.m. A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory:

Mercy Medical Center Foundation, https://www.mercycare.org/giving/donate-now/

Kirkwood Community College Foundation – https://www.kirkwood.edu/about-us/foundation/give-now

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.