Pat Pratt

Pat Pratt was born on June 12, 1936 in Sioux City, IA, the first child of Margaret and Joe O’Connor. She grew up with some of her very best friends as siblings—her brothers Jerry O’Connor and Tim O’Connor and her sisters Fran Zuppo and her “Irish twin” Mickey Russell, born 11 months after her.

Pat attended Vermillion High School where she was a drum majorette and had so many great experiences. Life with her first husband Stan White, who had recently enlisted in the US Navy, took them all over the globe including time in Turkey, Japan, and Germany. The adventures had and friends made were some of the best of Pat’s life. They returned from their travels to Vermillion with their three children: a son, Chris and two daughters, Tracy and Jill, who all had the opportunity to grow up in this special community.

Pat started working at Vermillion High School in 1976 as the school secretary and administrative assistant to the principal. She was an absolute natural in this position. She quietly served adults and students alike, providing warmth and understanding to every student who reached out a hand to her. While working at VHS, Pat met Jerry Pratt, a teacher in business and accounting. Jerry and Pat had a long and wonderful courtship filled with love and joy. They married in 1980 bringing Jerry and his daughter Christy to the family. This family of 6 turned out to be a great combination enjoying time at home together and wonderful travel adventures.

Pat loved to talk about her Irish heritage, was a strong and loving Christian, had an amazing sense of humor, and loved to play cards, dominos, and games of every kind. She never met a stranger, spent so much of life dedicated to St. Vincent DePaul, and would give you the last dime out of her bank account whether Jerry approved the transaction or not. She could always be counted on for a smile and for the absolute most positive spin on any experience or situation.

Pat is survived by her husband Jerry, siblings Mickey Russell and Jerry O’Connor; children Tracy (and Mike Chamberlain), Christopher (and Ines White), Jill Koertner, Christy (and Kevin Peterson); grandchildren Alex (and James Riddle), Justin, Sam, Katie, and Jude; great grandchildren Emma, Wyatt, and baby Claire; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Pat lived a joy filled life, which will frame her legacy and our memories.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Agnes Ministry (formerly St. Vincent De Paul Society) or the Vermillion Food Pantry.

Her visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 PM, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM on Friday May 21, 2021 at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 AM on Saturday May 22, 2021 at the church followed by a lunch in the Fellowship Hall. The services will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/hansenfuneral.