Date of Birth:
Saturday, September 15, 1928
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Age:
96 years old

Patricia “Pat” Ann Zirbes

Patricia “Pat” Ann (Marcou) Zirbes, 96, of Rochester, MN, peacefully passed away, on her own terms just as she lived her life, surrounded by family on January 2, 2025.  Pat was born on September 15, 1928, in La Crosse, WI to James and Marie (O’Leary) Marcou. Pat graduated from Aquinas Catholic High School in 1946.  In 1947 she met Clarence “Red” Zirbes of La Crosse, WI, and they married later that year.   While married Pat and Red had seven children and moved to Rochester, MN.  They later divorced in 1969.

Pat worked as a waitress for over 35 years at the Pinnacle Restaurant on the top floor of the Kahler, which later became the Penthouse.  Over the years Pat served many famous people at the Kahler; Jack Benny, Lady Bird Johnson, and Dick Clark to name a few. She retired from the Penthouse at age 65, but she had many odd jobs for years thereafter: paraprofessional, riding the school bus with younger children, being a crossing guard, and working at grocery or retail stores handing out samples.  She was affectionately called “Grandma Pat” in another of her side jobs as a clown as well as by of course her many grandchildren.

Pat was a collector of many things, including butterflies and Hull pottery.  She was perhaps most well-known for her collection of hats and would rarely leave her house without a hat on!   Butterflies had special meaning to her and symbolizes “coming alive”.

Pat was an avid traveler and visited several countries throughout the world, sometimes via cruising; Israel, Egypt, Africa, Greece, Ireland, England, Italy, and the Panama Canal Cruise in 1999, just to name a few.   Pat also loved gardening, dancing, and “clowning around.”  She was both a ballroom dancer and a square dancer through the years.   In her “spare” time Pat wrote many poems and was also part of a Scrabble group.

Pat was an active volunteer and member of many organizations, including St. John the Evangelist Church, Al-Anon (she lived by the Serenity Prayer), the Red Hat Society, VFW Auxiliary, Dorothy Day House, and the Suicide Hotline.  Pat was also very dedicated and involved with both the Rochester Solo Parents Group and the National Solo Parents Group, where she was the recipient of various awards for her numerous contributions.  Pat served as President of both the Rochester and National Solo Parents Group in addition to being the editor of the Rochester group’s newsletter. In addition to performing as a clown at celebrations, parades, and children’s parties, including many for her own grandchildren, Pat played Mrs. Santa Claus for many years at the VFW Christmas party. Pat also volunteered as a local election judge for many years and was dedicated to her political beliefs.  She also participated in many medical studies through the Mayo Clinic. It’s only fitting that the last study she participated in was to donate her body to science as to continue to be part of the aging study conducted by Mayo.

Pat’s independent and loving spirit will be missed. She always had a Christmas present under the tree for everyone who entered her door and a plate on the table during the holidays for anyone looking for a place to celebrate.

Pat is survived by her son David Zirbes of Crookston, MN; her daughter Rhonda (Mike) Franken of Red Wing, MN; sons-in-law Mike Henry of Rochester, MN and Bob Beranek of Punta Gorda, FL; daughters-in-law Carol Zirbes of Rochester, MN, Judy Zirbes of Greenville, FL, and Sharon Nesler of Pine Island, MN; sister Betty Purdy of Westmoreland, TN; 11 grandchildren: 16 great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sons Gary, Mike, and Randy Zirbes; daughters Linda Henry and Barb Zirbes Beranek; grandson Kim Zirbes; brother Jim Marcou and sister Mary Heiam.

The family is deeply grateful to the caring staff at Madonna Summit of Byron and the Mayo Clinic Hospice of Rochester.

A visitation will be held on January 30, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester.  There will be a Memorial Mass for Pat on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., with a visitation one hour prior, at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, MN, Rev. Msgr. Gerald Mahon officiating.   Burial will be held on a later date.   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.