Patricia Age - 76 Española Cook

Patricia Cook, 76, a resident of Española passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 7, 2011. Pat was born June 17, 1934 to Floyd and Erna Steffen in Adams, Wisconsin. She loved gardening, music, knitting, and animals. A talented musician, she played the piano for countless weddings, funerals, and other special events. Pat touched the lives of many children and adults as a proficient piano teacher. She was also an expert gardener who could transform any yard, no matter how barren, into a beautiful paradise, given a little time and some rich compost. Pat also patiently taught many people to knit. She knit thousands of sweaters, scarves, and mittens for children in need all over the world. Her own children never wanted for warm woolen mittens that she kept handy for snowball fights and snow fort building in the winter. All the neighborhood animals, whether wild or the neighbors’ pets, seemed drawn to her and eventually found a bird feeder or a dish of food that she kept full near her doorstep. Even horses would wait by the fence nearby and wait for that carrot or apple snack that she was sure to bring each day. A strong Christian throughout her life, she instilled Christian teaching in her children and grandchildren. She loved everyone and thought the best of them, no matter what. She was a true shining light for Christ. Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Gwen Herriot of Adams, WI; her former husband, Marvin Kallenberger of San Antonio, TX and a long-time resident of Austin, MN; and her two beloved dogs and best friends, Strawberry and Ginger. She is survived by her brothers: Bob Steffen of Tucson, AZ and Fred Steffen of Adams, WI; children: Kal Kallenberger of Kingwood, TX; Mary Spill of Española, NM; Jon Kallenberger of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren: Amber Barnard of Winona, MN; Karrin Geier of Winona, MN; Kallen Kallenberger of Kingwood, TX; KC Kallenberger of Kingwood, TX who is currently serving in the military in Iraq; Josh Spill of Little Rock, AR; Jacob, Jonah and Jemima Spill all of Española; Gabrielle Kallenberger of San Antonio, TX; Chelsea Wetzel of Las Vegas, NV; great-grandchildren: Nolan Barnard and Westley Barnard of Winona, MN, and Madison Geier of Winona, MN. Public visitation will be held on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church on La Joya Street in Española, with a funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m. The family of Patricia Cook have entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477\r\n

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