Patricia Ann Langstraat

Patricia Ann Langstraat was born on January 2, 1951. She was the third of seven children born to Leonard P. and Lela Belle (Jarman) Langstraat. She made a grand entrance as the first baby of the year born in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Growing up on a farm south of Knoxville, Pat developed a passion for all creatures great and small. Her cats were her ‘kids’ and she gave them very pampered lives.

Pat graduated from Knoxville High School in 1969. After a brief time in the Women’s Army Corp., Pat took a job at Equitable Insurance Company of Iowa (now ING). Pat worked in the Mail and Records Departments for almost 45 years, retiring from her career in 2016.

It was at Equitable where Pat met many of her lifelong friends. Most notably, her companion, Don Butcher. Together they made many road trips, (Mall of America!), enjoyed time with their extended families, cheered for the Cubs, and laughed a lot! They brought out the very best in each other and shared a true love.

Pat was a voracious reader. She always had a paperback novel tucked into her purse. She enjoyed learning about the royal families and the popes. Pat was a very knowledgeable and competitive trivia player!

Pat loved the Lord. Her spiritual life was varied and rich. Throughout her life she made connections and worshiped in assorted communities of faith. She found her forever church home at Fort Des Moines Presbyterian Church. She was honored to serve as a Deacon.

In retirement, Pat enjoyed trivia contests and exercising at her neighborhood community center, Saturday breakfasts out with friends, and daily Bible study with her neighbor. A monthly highlight was lunch and shopping with her brother Steve.

Pat had a very giving nature. She was a 13 gallon blood donor. Pat’s wishes were honored by the Iowa Donor Network. She gave the gift of life.

A celebration of life service for Pat was held March 30, 2025 at Fort Des Moines Presbyterian Church with Dr. Roberta Victor officiating.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard P. and Lela Belle (Jarman) Langstraat, her brother Peter “Butch” Langstraat, her companion Don Butcher, and a nephew Dustin Kendall.

Left to remember her are her siblings: Laurie (John) Kendall of Bussey, Tom (Carrie) of Springfield, Oregon, Jim (Lisa) of Yakima, Washington, Steve of Knoxville, Iowa and Beth (Rick) Gibson of Knoxville, Iowa. Pat had many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews. She is greatly missed by the Peneger family of Don Butcher. Pat will be remembered by her wonderful community of neighbors, work friends, and church family of Fort Des Moines Presbyterian Church.