Patricia Ann Friend

Patricia was born to John and Nettie Sterkel on October 20, 1940, in Scottsbluff. She was united in marriage to Rolland “Rollie” Friend on June 1, 1957. Their union was blessed with five children, Debra, Vickie, James, Laurie, and Janice.

Patricia’s primary role was homemaker for her family. However, in her younger years her and Rollie owned and operated Little Red Dairy Cone in the seventies, where the whole family worked. She also enjoyed camping and spending time with the family at Lake Minatare. Pat and Rollies Christmas gatherings brought all of family together for lots of games, laughter, fun and memories. Her legendary goodies and cabbage burgers are engrained in the memories of her children and grandchildren. Little did she know these traditions would be their fondest memories to this day.

Patricia was a big personality in a small package. She was kind, funny, strong, a ball of fire and never knew a stranger. Her greatest accomplishments were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The last few years, she loved getting to spend time with a new generation of great grandkids. She played with them, chased them around and cheered them on at their sporting events. She gave them their own special memories of Grandma “Pak” that they can carry with them.

Patricia will be lovingly remembered by her children; Debbie (Terry) Langer of Minatare; Vickie Whisler of Gering; James (Deb) Friend and Janice (Mark) Staman all of Grand Island. Eleven grandchildren and twenty-one great- grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is joined in rest by her husband, Rolland Friend; daughter, Laurie Friend, son-in-law Adolph Koncaba; an infant granddaughter and great-granddaughter; parents, John Sterkel, Nettie & Reuben Johannes; brother and sister-in-law, Jack & Betty Sterkel, sister Betty Salway, Sister and brother-in-law, Janice & Reiny Rahmig and Rolland’s seven sisters and brother-in laws.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life will be Monday, June 1st, reuniting Pat and Rollie on their anniversary. Tributes of Sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com.