Patricia A. (Pat) Wass, 84, Scottsdale, AZ, formerly of Starkweather, ND, passed away in a Scottsdale hospital on Oct. 31, 2024, with family by her side.
There was visitation at the Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home, Cando, ND on Nov. 10, 2024, with a time of prayer and remembrance. The Funeral Service for Patricia was on Nov. 11, 2024 at Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church, Starkweather, ND, with Reverend Robert Buechler officiating. Burial will be at the Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Cemetery in Starkweather.
Memorials in Pats name are preferred to the donor’s choice.
Pat was born in Devils Lake, ND, to Albert and Chloe Foster. She was raised on a farm near Starkweather, ND. After graduating from Starkweather school in 1958, she earned her Teachers Certificate in 1960 from Minot State Teachers College. In 1973, she continued her education at the University of North Dakota where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in education and her Master’s degree in Special Education in 1987. She taught Elementary education in Glasgow, Mont, Beulah, Munich, Edmore and Starkweather, ND. She taught Special Education in Cando, ND. After 40 years, she retired from full-time teaching in 2000. After moving to Minot in 2001, she continued as a substitute teacher in the Minot Public School system before retiring in 2004. During her tenure, she served on many committees including several times on the negotiating team.
On Dec. 30, 1960, she was united in marriage to Boyd Wass at Trinity Bergen Lutheran church in Starkweather. They established their home on the Foster homestead near Starkweather where they worked side by side on the farm and raised their children. They owned and operated Dakotah Kennels for many years until Boyd’s death in 1998. Pat wintered in Arizona for several years before residing there permanently in 2013.
Pat’s faith was very important to her, and she was actively involved in her church until her death. She served as church secretary for several years. She volunteered in a variety of ways including 4-H leader, many of her grandchildren’s school activities, at her church and other community events.
She was a gifted seamstress and quilter. She made many quilts to donate and as gifts for family and friends. She loved to bake and passed that love on to her grandchildren. They have many fond memories of making cookies with grandma. She also enjoyed crocheting and painting ceramics. She was a member of many community organizations including VFW, Elks and Moose Lodge.
She is survived by her daughter, Roxanne (Mike) Vendsel; sons, Craig (Lori) Wass and Tony (Dawn) Hagman; grandchildren Cody Wass, Jessica (Brandon) D’Ewart and Taylor (Johnny) Doubek. brother Howard Foster; brother-in-law Ronald Wass; several nieces and nephews. Others who were very significant in her life are Kelly (Marlo) Stromberg and children, Karri (John) Kraft and children.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd; parents Albert and Chloe Foster; in-laws Ernest and Edna Wass; sister Janice Brovan; brothers in law Robert and Harold Wass.
Online guestbook is available at www.dunnigandix.com.
Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home of Cando, ND is in charge of arrangements.
