Patricia (Reuter) Parks

**UPDATED** Patricia (Pat) R. Parks, 74, of Marshalltown, died on September 17th due to complications during her courageous battle with breast cancer. Her family and friends were at her side at Mary Greeley hospital surrounding her with love when she passed.

Pat was born on October 16th, 1949, to Ralph and Magdalen (Schmitz) Reuter. One of six children, she grew up in Marshalltown and graduated from Lenihan Catholic High School in 1967. Whether she was slinging sandwiches at Taylor’s Maid-Rite (where she met her husband Ron) or helping customers at State Farm Insurance, Pat worked hard all her life. Pat and Ron were married on June 1st, 1974, at the Marshalltown Court House. Together they raised three children, worked together in their model car accessory business, and enjoyed time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this summer. Pat worked at State Farm Insurance for over 30 years and returned part-time after she retired. She loved her work there and was known as a friendly, caring person who made everyone feel welcomed. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit, even in her last days. She loved traveling with Ron, especially to Hawaii, spending time with her family, cooking and watching cooking shows, playing with her grandchildren, and enjoying a good glass of wine. Her life wasn’t always easy, but she was always an example of strength, kindness, and stubborn determination.

Those left to remember and honor her memory are her husband Ron, her sons Brent (Kathleen) and Allan (Angie), her daughter Kate (Todd), her grandchildren Amanda, Luke, Amber, Camille, Walker, Jane, and Henry, and her great grandchildren Bayn, Cade, and Exie, and her siblings, Joe (Joan) Reuter, David (Robyn) Reuter, Mary (Steve) Keen, and Jon (Deb) Reuter, as well as many nieces and nephews. We know many people in Marshalltown who knew her from her work at State Farm and elsewhere will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Magdalen Reuter, her husband’s parents, Bob and Elise Parks, her brother Tom Reuter, and other members of her large extended family.

A family-led celebration of her life will be held on October 12th, 2024, from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Riverview Park Community Building located at 402 Woodland Street (off N. 3rd. Ave./ Hwy 14). Pat requested that attendees wear Hawaiian shirts.

The family is grateful for all the medical staff at McFarland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and Mary Greeley Hospital who assisted Pat during the last few difficult months, as well as to her boss and friend Phyllis Mazour who was a constant source of support and love for Mom.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Patricia and her family. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome your support through greeting cards in Pat’s memory, which may be mailed to Mitchell Family Funeral Home.

Lovingly written by the family.