Patricia Ann Van Treeck

Patricia (Pat) was born to parents Aaron Wesley and Margaret Ann (Lundahl) Oglesby on May 26, 1933, in Waukegan, Illinois. She was the youngest of the three Oglesby children.

Pat’s early years began during the Depression and advent of World War II. These were difficult years for all, and families needed to be resourceful to make every dollar stretch. During this time, the Oglesby family household at one time or another also included both her maternal and paternal Grandparents, and Aaron’s brother for a brief time. This made for an interesting childhood for the three children.

Some of Pat’s greatest childhood memories were spending time at their small lakefront cabin on Lake Chetek in Wisconsin. Pat spent much time together with her father fishing on the boat dock or in their boat.

By the time she entered Waukegan High School she had developed strong academic skills. Particularly, she enjoyed and excelled in mathematics. She advanced rapidly and graduated early. During her senior year she was employed by the Waukegan Waterworks Department as an assistant in the billing department. This is where she found an affinity for working with numbers as a bookkeeper, a skill she was proud of and maintained her entire life.

In 1950 she met James L. Van Treeck and they married the following year, August 26,1952. They rented a small apartment while working on a home that Jim’s father had been building before passing away. During this time Pat became pregnant with their first of four children.

As was customary in the 1950’s Pat was a stay-at-home mom, raising their four children: Joseph, Richard, Thomas, and Pamela. Pat always found time to work on Cub Scout projects with the boys, sewing clothing for their daughter, and gardening. Pat and Jim made sure that the children were all baptized, attended Sunday School, and studied their catechism to become members of the Lutheran Church.

When all four children were in school full-time, Pat began working part time during tax season for Ray Cote Tax and Accounting. Pat loved the work and its challenges; it reminded her of her earlier years working at the Waterworks Department.

Jim retired in 1989. From 1989 until Jim’s passing in 2008, Pat and Jim took full advantage of retirement. They traveled to see family, spent time at the recreation centers playing pool, bowling, swimming, and also attended concerts.

Pat and Jim found a new church home, American Lutheran Church of Sun City and Pat immersed herself in various activities. But what brought her the most joy was joining the church bell choir. She loved playing and being a part of the group. In 2018, she was honored as being the longest playing member of the choir, for 25 years!

Pat’s love of music and desire to stay physically fit led her to join a dance exercise group. She really enjoyed the experience, eventually becoming the leader.

Several years after Jim passed, Pat moved to the Royal Oaks Complex in Sun City. In 2019 Pat moved to the Royal Oaks Friendship House, a memory care facility. These were difficult years for Pat, but she quickly drew the love of those who were there to assist with her needs.

Pat loved people and was a friend to all. Her parting words in any visit were “I love you, be safe whatever you do”. Most of all though, Pat loved Jim and her family.

Pat is survived by her four children Joseph (Mary), Richard, (Annelie), Thomas, (Denise) and Pamela (Michael) Magnuson, nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, Sister-in-Law Charlotte Van Treeck and step brother-in-law John Howe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim, sister Virginia, and brother Verdun.

A memorial service will be held at American Lutheran Church, 17200 N Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ, Tuesday October 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Internment will occur at a later date.

The Family wants to thank the wonderful staff at Royal Oaks and Friendship House in particular for their exemplary care. Also, Geriatric Resources including Luann, Kate, and Crystal for being Pat’s family during our absences and Summit Hospice for making absolutely sure Pat was peaceful and comfortable as possible.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Summit Hospice-Phoenix, the Arthritis Association, American Lutheran Church-Bell Choir, or an organization of their choice.