Patricia Marie Dunham
Patricia Marie Dunham
Cedar Rapids
The world lost a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother on September 1, 2024. Patricia Marie Dunham passed away peacefully at the Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha after fighting a long illness.
Pat was born to Kermit “Bud” and Helen Spencer on April 28, 1950, and she was raised in Marion, Iowa with her brothers. In 1968, she met the love of her life, John Dunham at The Flamingo on Ellis Blvd. He knew immediately, she was the one! He told her that same day that he was going to marry her, and he did! John and Pat were married on June 6, 1970, and celebrated 54 wonderful years of marriage this past June. On Christmas Day 1970, they welcomed their first child, Chad. A few years later, on June 1, 1975, their daughter Stacy was born.
After raising her two kids, Pat worked as a cashier at the Wilson Avenue Hy-Vee for 25 years. Her fondest memories of Hy-Vee are the wonderful friends she made while working there. Pat enjoyed traveling throughout her life. John and Pat took many trips to warm places, as she didn’t like to be cold, ever! They made several trips to Mexico, and even took a cruise. They bought a houseboat that they loved entertaining on for many years, but eventually decided a motorhome was a better fit for them, so they could travel more. Most winters they could be found snow-birding in Mississippi, Texas and Arizona. They have many wonderful memories with friends they made while snow-birding. Pat also enjoyed numerous trips to Las Vegas with her dad before he passed, even though they never hit it big!
Pat always loved a bargain. Garage sailing and second-hand stores were her hobbies! Pat was also known for her delicious potato salad, which will be missed by all.
Pat is survived by her husband, John of Cedar Rapids, her son, Chad (Kylene) of Hiawatha, daughter, Stacy (Vince) of Cedar Rapids. Pat loved all 5 of her grandchildren dearly: Peyton, Ashleigh, Miles, Breighan and Braxton. She also adored and spoiled her dog, Lucy!
Pat was preceded in death by her brothers, Carl and Jackie, and both of her parents.
The family will hold a private service for Pat but is inviting friends to a Celebration of Life Gathering at The Legacy Center at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, 520 Wilson Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, Friday, September 6 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. The family is providing a meal at the celebration. Potato salad will be served, but it will not be as good as Pat’s!
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in Pat’s honor be directed to the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House, 315 18th Ave. Hiawatha, IA 52233.
Please share a memory of Pat at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
