MARY PATOCKA, 86

Mary Patocka was born February 10, 1936 at home in Ravinia, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Dvorak) Kmoch. She died Thursday, July 21 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall.

Mary attended Ravinia High School and graduated with a BA from Southern State College in Springfield.

Mary was united in marriage to Alvin Patocka on March 20, 1954. Two daughters were born to their union, Cheryl and Janice.

Mary continued her education through the summer months during her teaching career, earning her Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. She taught Second Grade at the Springfield Public School until she took early retirement at age 62. Mary later enjoyed working at Dakota Senior Meals for over ten years.

Mary loved flowers. She really enjoyed planting flowers and tending to them. She also enjoyed watching game shows, especially JEOPARDY, and playing cards and Scrabble.

Thankful for having shared her life are her two daughters: Cheryl (Doug) Wynia of Tyndall and Janice (Gene) Wilson of Irene; five grandchildren: Dalon (Kristin) Wynia, Kristin ( David) Hoff, Eric (Jennie) Wilson, Roger (Alysia) Wilson, and Carly Jo (Gary Christiansen) Wilson; and five great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Alvin, on December 1, 2006; parents; brother, Joe Kmoch and sister, Rose Haines.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 26, at the United Church of Christ in Springfield. Burial was in the Springfield Cemetery. Peters Funeral Home in Springfield was in charge of arrangements.