Edna Levenhagen Patrick

On Wednesday, July 23rd, Edna Levenhagen Patrick, loving wife, mother of three children and grandmother to four grandchildren, passed away in Albany, Oregon at the age of 89. Edna was born in Monona, Iowa on August 30th, 1935 on her grandparents’ farm in a home which later became a barn, and grew up primarily on her parents’ own dairy farm. Conveniently, the one-room country school Edna attended was located on the property, and this school made Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” for the fact that all of the students were related and shared the last name of Levenhagen. After graduating from Monona High School, Edna worked for a year in Minneapolis and then went on to Iowa State University where she received a degree in Home Economics (Food and Nutrition). Summer breaks were spent working at a camp in Spirit Lake, Iowa where she would bake numerous rolls, pies, and cakes each day. After graduation, she embarked on a journey to the Wadsworth VA Hospital in Los Angeles to complete a one-year internship as a dietitian. On New Year’s Eve, 1958, Edna met the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Patrick, and a whirlwind romance resulted in a proposal just six weeks later with wedding vows exchanged on May 28th, 1959. After completing her internship, Edna worked as a certified Dietitian until her pregnancy with son Tom. At this time Chuck completed law school and they lived in Fullerton, California, and Karen was born, with a later move to Santa Maria where Denise was born. The family moved to San Diego in 1966, where they resided until 2017. Edna thrived as a wife, mother, and homemaker during the San Diego years. She was a wonderful cook, and for many years was a member of a gourmet group with long-time friends. Edna and family were active members of La Jolla Presbyterian Church, where she volunteered as the church librarian. She also worked as a librarian at Point Loma Nazarene University. Edna and her late husband Chuck of over 61 years travelled the country and the world, visiting six continents, 34 countries, and all 50 U.S. capitol buildings. More than anything, Edna was deeply and selflessly dedicated to her family. She and Chuck raised three children: son Tom and two daughters, Karen and Denise. She enjoyed spending time with her four grandchildren: Jessie, Kathryn, James, and Ian. Edna was preceded in death by her husband Charles, parents Chris and Emma, and her siblings: Lovina, Margie, Donald, Mary, Harvey, and Lilian. She is survived by her children and grandchildren; sisters Helen, Darlene, and Agnes; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services will be held in Corvallis, Oregon Monday, July 28th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund.

Edna Levenhagen Patrick

August 30, 1935 - July 23, 2025