Patricia McCormick

Patricia McCormick was born October 20, 1931 to Howard and Blanche (Skarda) Jones in Jackson, Minnesota. She was the oldest of three children. The Jones family lived on a farm southeast of Jackson, where she attended rural country school through the eighth grade. She then attended Jackson High School, graduating with the class of 1949. Following graduation, she attended Mankato Teacher’s College in Mankato, Minnesota, earning her degree in education in 1951.  Pat’s first teaching position was in Rushmore, Minnesota. A mutual friend introduced her to Dick Creeger, owner of Creeger Clothing in Luverne, where she came to enjoy retail sales. While living in Luverne, she met William “Bill” McCormick and they were married on July 24, 1958 at St. Catherine Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Luverne raising their boys, Thomas, Peter and Matthew. Pat enjoyed being a stay at home mom and put many miles on the family car chauffeuring her sons to the swimming pool, baseball diamonds and especially the golf course.  While raising her sons, she kept busy with designing, making and hanging drapes and window coverings. Her handiwork continues to hang in the homes of her sons.

Eventually education drew her back to the profession of teaching as she became the Director of Religious Education at St. Catherine’s, a position she enjoyed until her retirement some twenty years later. She was recognized by the Vatican and received a Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice medal. She worked with many members of the clergy and formed special relationships with Father Thomas Ploof and Sister Joanne.

Pat had many interests and hobbies including knitting and hardanger. She gained tremendous joy that a white linen table cloth and napkins she made were used by Ken Burns during the premiere of his WWII documentary “The War” featuring the community of Luverne. The reality that Mr. Burns spilled red wine on it added to her joy!

Pat loved coffee, visiting with others, and playing cards. She enjoyed many years with her card group and was grateful for their assistance as her vision declined from macular degeneration. Pat was resilient, strong-minded, value structured, thoughtful and compassionate. If you knew Pat, you knew about her grandkids as well…she was obnoxiously proud of them and was eager to share their milestones to anyone who would listen! Family heritage was important to her and she was so proud of her sons, and their families, and how they would continue that heritage well into the future.

During retirement, Pat and Bill enjoyed traveling together and following their grandchildren’s activities. For 24 years, the couple enjoyed annual trips to the wine country of Northern California. Bill preceded her in death on August 20, 2016. Pat continued to reside in Luverne and spend time with family and friends until her passing on March 4, 2024 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 92 years, 4 months and 15 days.

Pat is lovingly remembered by her three boys, Thomas McCormick of Sioux Falls, Peter (Kara) McCormick of Sioux Falls and Matthew (Chris) McCormick of Rapid City, South Dakota; four grandchildren, Connor (Danielle) McCormick, Courtney (Caleb) Chuang; Meghan (Joseph) Fafinski and Shannon McCormick; and two great-grandchildren and one more on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; and siblings, Mary Kielbock and Gary Jones.