Charlotte Patricia “Pat” McGreer, age 88, passed away Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at her home in Big Springs, Nebraska. She was born February 6, 1924, in Roscoe, Nebraska, the youngest of the four children who lived to adulthood of Charles Edward and Bertha Marie (Krab) Thalken.
A Rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 21st at St. Luke’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 22nd at St. Luke’s Catholic Church with Father Bryan Ernest as celebrant. Committal services will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Big Springs Cemetery.
Growing up on the family farm, Pat developed an early interest and talent as a seamstress by making a dress in sixth grade on her mother’s treadle sewing machine. Her family moved from the farm to Ogallala just before Pat entered high school.
A graduate of Ogallala High School in 1941, Pat was employed for six years at Storer’s Jewelry. She married Wilber McGreer on August 5, 1947. Pat and Wilber moved from Paxton to Big Springs in 1958 to farm. They started McGreer Camper Park when Interstate 80 was built in 1969 and continued in these ventures until their retirement. Pat and Wilber had just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
Mrs. McGreer was a homemaker and a very accomplished knitter, quilter, and seamstress, touching the lives of many with her handiwork. She made Christmas stockings for each of the many members of her own family, as well as for extended family and friends. She also made dozens of quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The grand kids will miss her always-full cookie jar.
Family was a vital part of Pat’s life. She was blessed with a very large family and was a blessing to them. The highlight of her days was when the family gathered to enjoy each other. No one loved to laugh more than her.
Survivors in addition to her husband, Wilber, include son Michael and wife Louise of Big Springs; daughter Maureen Balk Garza of Liberty, Missouri; son Mark and wife Nita of Big Springs; daughter Marcia Petersen and husband Alan (Butch) of Leawood, Kansas; daughter Margaret (Peg) Wood and husband Steve of Whitewater, Colorado; son Matthew and wife Diane of West Dundee, Illinois. Pat is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Katherine Meismer and Alice Heideman, brother, Darrell Thalken, and son-in-law Thomas Balk.
A memorial has been established in Pat’s memory. Online condolences may be sent at gubserfuneralhome.com. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Gubser Funeral Home and at the church prior to the Rosary.
Gubser Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.