Patricia Esther Duschek

Patricia Esther Duschek, age 80 of Mesa, passed away December 16, 2023. Pat was born to Reverend Alfred and Esther Kvamme on December 13, 1943. Pat was kind, thoughtful and caring. Afflicted with severe rheumatoid arthritis for most of her adult life, she had countless surgeries, medical interventions, and a list of medications that was pages long. Yet, she transcended these severe limitations to be a life force and powerful influence on so many. Adored by her family, she and her home were the hub of her extended family and friends. Her circle of friends was wide including many relationships extending through decades. But her connection to others is not just measured in breadth. There was depth to her. She was authentic. No public persona versus private self – she was the real thing, always. Equipped with a great sense of humor, it was a joy to be in her presence. Daughter of a Lutheran pastor, Pat was a woman of deep faith, a faith that grounded her and guided her.

Born in Rushford, Minnesota, as a child Pat lived in Peterson, Minnesota, Coon Valley, Wisconsin, Radcliffe, Iowa, and Lake Mills, Iowa. After high school in Lake Mills, Pat attended Luther college, graduating in 1965. When teaching in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Pat met Helmut, who came to be her dear life partner, with whom she would have shared 56 years of marriage on December 29, 2023. Pat and Helmut made a home in Brookfield, Wisconsin and welcomed their firstborn Mark in 1969. Daughter Jennifer came along in 1975. They relocated to the drier climate of Mesa, AZ in 1979. Pat did not let rheumatoid arthritis define her, she looked back over her life and was blessed and thankful for all that she was able to accomplish despite having severe rheumatoid arthritis. Pat and Helmut traveled, took in nature, and developed a good solid faith community and foundation in Arizona.

Pat is survived by husband Helmut, son Mark Duschek, daughter Jennifer (Ryan) Ross, grandson Garrett Cauthen, brother Joel (Marion) Kvamme and sister Becky (Dean) Risa. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Esther Kvamme, sister Rachael Soleta, and niece Kirsten Kvamme Salmi.

A memorial service will be held in Victory Lutheran Church, Mesa, AZ on Thursday, January 4, 2024. A viewing will be at 9am, service at 10am and reception afterwards. Interment will follow in the City of Mesa Cemetery. The family suggest that memorials may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation or Victory Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.