Patricia A. Breitsprecher

Patricia Ann Ehrhardt Breitsprecher, age 92, of Elkader, formerly of Monona, died Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Elkader Care Center.

Pat was born on Feb. 15, 1932, in Forest City to Paul and Alma Ruth (Anderson) Mather. Shortly after her birth, her parents moved to a farm near Kanawha. Sadly, Pat’s mother died when she was only 4 years old. At age 7, she moved to Elkader where she was lovingly raised by her sister’s family (Louise, Harold, John, Bob and Nancy Griffith). Pat was baptized and confirmed at the First Congregational Church and graduated from Elkader High School in 1949. 

On Aug. 19, 1950, Pat married William Ehrhardt, Jr. at the First Congregational Church. They had four children: Carroll, Ruth, Donna and Mark. The family lived on the Ehrhardt Century Farm, southwest of Elkader, and attended Peace UCC Church. In addition to being a busy farm wife and mother, Pat worked at the Griffith Press (Clayton County Register) until retiring in 1997. Pat was a 4-H leader and member of both P.E.O. and BPW (Business and Professional Women of Iowa). 

Pat and Bill later divorced. On May 30, 1985, Pat married Kenneth Breitsprecher at the Little Brown Church, Nashua. They lived many years in the Elkader and St. Olaf area until his passing. Pat enjoyed playing cards, cooking and reading. She was also an avid designer of quilts. Some of her quilts were made to mark special occasions or milestones for family members, while others were to be given to veterans and church members.

Survivors are Ruth Ehrhardt of Cedar Rapids, Donna (Dan) Ryherd of Ely and Mark (Coral) Ehrhardt of Monona; 10 grandchildren, Eric, Lanette, John, Mark, Lee, Grant, Jan, Monica, Melissa and Samantha; 15 great-grandchildren; and step-daughters Jean, Mary and Lois and their families.

Pat was preceded in death by both husbands; son, Carroll; daughter-in-law, Sandra Ehrhard; and her siblings, Paul, Louise and Ellen.

According to her wishes, cremation will take place, and a memorial service was held May 25 at Norway Lutheran Church, St. Olaf. A memorial visitation was held prior to the service at the church. Inurnment took place after the service at Norway Lutheran Church Cemetery, St. Olaf. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norway Lutheran Church.