Patricia “Patty” Marie (Uhrich) Fuegen, 67, of Redfield, SD, took her step into heaven with family encouraging her onward, on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, SD.

Her visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 10, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield. A prayer service, time of sharing, and rosary with the Catholic Daughters will begin at 7:00 PM.

Patty’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 11, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield. Reverend John Short will officiate. Following a time for lunch and fellowship in the church hall, burial will be at Morning Side Cemetery in Roscoe, SD.

Both the prayer service and funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s website below Patty’s obituary. Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

Patricia Marie Uhrich was born to Marvin and Lorraine (Scherr) Uhrich on May 2, 1957, in Hoven, South Dakota. Patty was the second of eight children (four boys and four girls). She grew up on the family dairy farm, south of Roscoe. Her childhood was filled with adventures and games, involving her siblings which helped develop her determined and competitive nature. Patty attended Montpelier Country School and Roscoe Elementary and High School, graduating in 1975. She began her higher education at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), working towards a registered dietician degree. She completed her degree coursework at North Dakota State University (NDSU), where she helped the college design a plan for removing physical barriers for students with disabilities.

Patty enjoyed athletics during her time in high school and college. She was a force on Roscoe’s basketball team and she also played wheelchair basketball with the SMSU Mustangs. She was also active in track and field, qualifying for two national wheelchair games. Patty earned a silver medal in shot put at the national level.

Patty’s work ethic was established as a “farm girl” helping with chores. This foundation contributed to Patty’s success as a registered dietician at a Watertown medical facility and at the SD Developmental Center in Redfield. Patty also made her mark as the Prairie T.E.C. Coordinator, support staff at Aberdeen’s Sacred Heart Parish, and Director of the religious education program for St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Redfield. Patty’s faith and creativity were expressed in the work she did as a religious education teacher and coordinator of youth retreats throughout the diocese of Sioux Falls.

Patty was a lifelong, devout Catholic. Her Christianity was always front and center in her life and relationships. Her spirituality was evident in everything she did and her faith journey included a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Patty was an active member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas on local, regional, and state levels. She was Past Regent of Court St. Mary #1423 in Redfield. Patty was the 2020-2021 South Dakota Catholic Daughters Member Achievement Award Recipient.

Patty married her best friend and soul mate, Pat, on June 7, 1986. Her dreams for a family were fulfilled with the births of David and Nick. As a grandma, Patty was enamored by her grandchildren who always brought that special sparkle to her eye. Quality time for Patty included playing cards, reading, canning just about anything, growing beautiful flowers, sharing laughter and conversation with friends and family, and just being near her husband. Patty particularly enjoyed the ocean cruises they took to Alaska and the Panama Canal.

Patty met her Lord and Savior, when entering eternal life on October 4, 2024. Her legacy includes the memories shared by her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Patty will be remembered for her kindness, ready smile, determination, independent spirit, and love of life.

Patty was preceded in death by her dad, Marvin Uhrich, father-in-law, David Fuegen, brother, Lenny Uhrich, brothers-in-law, Lance and Rodney Fuegen, along with her grandparents and two nephews.

Patty is survived by her husband of 38 years, Patrick Fuegen, sons, David (Tawni) and Nick (Gina), grandchildren, Domanic, Jacob, Cecilia, Stella, Robin, and Dessa, mother, Lorraine Uhrich, mother-in-law, Delores Fuegen, siblings, Geralyn (Jerome) Malsom, LaMae Uhrich, Marla (Greg) Henderson, Jim (Jackie) Uhrich, Joe (Judy) Uhrich, Mary Jo (Tom) Hannasch, Leon (Audrey) Uhrich, brothers-in-law, Jeff (Michele) Fuegen and Allen (Kori) Fuegen, sister-in-law Heidi Linngren, several God-children, and many, many nieces and nephews.

GOD BLESS THE MEMORY OF PATTY FUEGEN.