Patricia "Pat" H. Bestul

Patricia "Pat" Bestul, 88 years old, died on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 in the peace of her home after a long battle with cancer.

Pat is survived by Marv, her husband of 67 years, son Scott, and daughter Jo (Craig) Schultz, grandchildren Brooke and Bailey Bestul, her sister Rose Marie Schofield, and brothers Scott (Mary) Herrick and Jim (Sara) Herrick. Pat is also survived by a loving host of brother- and sister-in-laws, as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored.

Preceding her in death were her adoptive parents, Howard "Hod" and Barbara Herrick, her parents Herta and Edwin, three brothers (Chester, LeRoy and Herbert) and two sisters (Helen and Gertrude).

Pat was born July 18, 1931, in Hamburg, Wisconsin. She spent several years of her childhood in the Bethany Children's Home in Waupaca, Wisconsin. While at Bethany, Pat began babysitting a pair of young boys whom she grew to adore. Later she would go to live with the loving family of Barb and Hod Herrick and their sons Scott and Jim; though never formally adopted by these wonderful folks, she always considered the Herricks her family. On a double-date in the summer of 1951, she met a shy young man named Marvin. They would marry on April 12, 1952 and enjoyed a close and loving marriage for 67 years. In 1960, Pat and Marv adopted their son Scott and, two years later, adopted daughter Jo. Pat followed Marv as work took him to Baraboo, Janesville, and Madison, WI, then Davenport, IA, and finally Naperville, IL. In 1992 they retired to Rushford, MN. In 1999, Pat was thrilled to become a grandmother to twins Brooke and Bailey, who brought her great joy for more than 20 years.

Pat was a devout Christian who found her greatest joy in worship and participating in church activities such as quilting, sewing and baking. She worked as a telephone operator, church secretary, and stay-at-home mom until she began her work in retail sales. Her career began at a children's clothing store and later, a major department store. Pat was a gifted pianist, and enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica. She loved to sing, whether it was with a church choir or simply in her own living room while playing her piano. Pat enjoyed doing cryptograms, crossword puzzles, and reading. Family and friends brought Pat her greatest joy, and she loved nothing more than entertaining them in her home, or visiting for a family reunion. Pat will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 16, at Hoff Funeral Home, in Rushford, MN, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral service for Pat will be held Saturday, August 17, 2019, at Rushford Lutheran Church in Rushford, MN at 12:00 p.m.. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Saturday funeral service, which will be officiated by Rev. Steven Chellew. The family asks that memorials be directed to Gundersen Lutheran Hospice through the Gundersen Medical Foundation, or to Good Shepherd Lutheran Services in Rushford, MN.
Please leave a memory of Pat or sign her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com