Patrick “Pat” James Nellis, 60, of Spirit Lake passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. Burial was held in the St. Margaret’s Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Visitation was on Wednesday at the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be sent to www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.
Pat was born on June 25, 1959, to Peter and Helen (Stattelman) Nellis in Spirit Lake. He graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1977. Pat worked several jobs over his career but the one he took the most pride in and enjoyed the most was working for the school district for 20 plus years as the Middle School Custodian. He also worked for Village West, Holiday Inn and mowed yards.
In Pat’s free time he enjoyed collecting and learning about trains. Over the years he has accumulated a large collection of trains and memorabilia. He also enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wheel of Fortune. He looked forward to his trips downtown and to the Breakfast Barn to enjoy breakfast and conversation with anyone he would run into.
Pat was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he was a proud member of Knights of Columbus Council 5043. He was also a past member the Spirit Lake Jaycees.
He is survived by his sister Jane Cunningham of Spirit Lake; brother Bob Nellis of Milford; nieces and nephews, Rayna, Gina, Jodi, Kent, Kelly, Amy, Joe and several great nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Judy and brothers Rich and Ken.