Patricia Ann Stander age 88 of Weeping Water, NE passed away on December 15, 2023. Born on November 5, 1935, in Julian, Nebraska, Patricia was the daughter of Ralph and Dora (Ramold) Schmitz.

Pat graduated from St. Bernard's Academy in Nebraska City in 1953.  While attending school at St. Bernard's she would ride with the mail truck from Papillion to Nebraska City and pay for her school and boarding by working in the school kitchen.   On October 20, 1955, she married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Stander, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Papillion, Nebraska. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and a deep commitment to family.

Patricia's life was marked by dedication to her family and community. After high school, she worked at Philips Department Store in Omaha as a Meat Cutter. Later, she focused on raising her children before returning to work at Gibson's Grocery Store and HyVue Café. Her commitment extended to the St. Patrick's Catholic Church Altar Society and the Women's Auxiliary of American Legion Post #237.

Patricia found joy in simple pleasures. She had a green thumb, and her love for gardening was evident in the beauty that surrounded her home. Whether it was tending to her garden, mowing the lawn, or baking her famous banana bread, Patricia's talents and warmth touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Patricia's legacy lives on through her children: Robin Platt of Lincoln, NE, Cindy Ostdiek of Council Bluffs, IA, Jeff (Cathy) Stander of Murdock, NE, and Tom (Debbi) Stander of Weeping Water, NE. She was a cherished grandmother to numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters. Patricia is also survived by her sisters, Rosemary (Kermit) Weiche of Omaha, NE, Linda (Al) Grube of Oxford, OH, sister-in-law, Pam Schmitz of Papillion, NE, brother Don (Barb) Schmitz of Papillion, NE, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Stander, son-in-law Jerry Ostdiek, and brothers Robert (Annette) Schmitz and Richard Schmitz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Manley with Father Jason Doher officiating.  Burial will follow the service in St. Patrick's Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday, December 18, 2023 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home in Weeping Water.  The family will greet friends from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church followed by the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 PM.

Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Arrangements by Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, Weeping Water, NE  402-267-2485.