Patricia Ann (Gonnering) Kittiko

Patricia “Pat” Ann (Gonnering) Kittiko, age 86, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024, at home with her family by her side.  She was born January 29, 1938, daughter of the late John and Catherine (Verstagen) Gonnering.

Pat married the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Kittiko, on April 16, 1969, and they resided in the Town of Freedom.

Pat was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Freedom, where she attended school as a child.  She graduated from Freedom High School in 1956, and from the Accredited School of Beauty College in 1958.

Pat owned and operated Patrician’s Beauty Salon where she spent 65 years making people even more beautiful.  She had a passion for people, celebrating their beauty, both inside and out, and loved learning about their stories, lives and families.  She was a kind, loving caregiver, who had a strong Catholic faith and found her purpose in helping people through her words, prayers, and delicious home cooked meals and desserts.

Pat was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.  She cherished time with loved ones and especially enjoyed visiting her daughters and their families in Texas and Minnesota.

Pat is survived by her husband, Jerry, and their daughters and families: Kate (Brad) Alberts, Dallas, and their daughter Grace; and Kris (Blaine) Van Eeckhout, Minneapolis, and their children: Mary and Ethan.

Pat was preceded in death by her brothers: Jack (Catherine) Gonnering, Donald (Lois) Gonnering, Orville Gonnering, William (Dorothy) Gonnering, and Gene (Mary) Gonnering; sisters: Adelle (Earl) Van Eperen, Lorraine (Mike) Vandenberg, and Rosie (Butch) Stoffel.

The Funeral Mass for Pat will held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church (W2037 County Road S, Freedom) with Father Dennis Ryan and Deacon Gary Vanness officiating.  Friends and family will be received at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery.

Pat’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to the amazing caregivers at Compassus Hospice Care and to Deacon Gary, who showed so much love and respect to Pat and her family over the past year.