Linda K. Patterson-Zordel

Linda Patterson Zordel, passed away August 2, 2018 at the Graham County Hospital at the age of 100. She was born October 13, 1917, the second child of Mike and Anna (Wagner) Weinman at their home near Stuttgart in rural Phillips County. She was raised along with her four sisters: Lydia, Lula, Lucinda and Lela; and one brother, Arlynn, the youngest. Linda’s strong faith in God began at an early age as the family attended the Stuggart American Synod Lutheran Church, where Linda was baptized and confirmed. That faith carried her through many joys, as well as trials and heartache for 100 years. Linda attended country school through the eighth grade a mile from home, walking every day across their pasture. Being a member of a hard working German family, Linda learned at a young age how to work. She and her sisters worked for other families in the community, taking care of children and doing the household chores. As a teen, she began working at a restaurant in Phillipsburg, where she met her future husband, Eugene “Pat” Patterson. Linda and Pat were married in 1938. To this union three children were born: Coralie June, Jerry Gene and Kenneth Joseph. The family set up a home first in Phillipsburg where Pat taught in a rural school. They moved to Tribune then Syracuse where Pat also taught, finally settling in Hill City in 1947, where “Mr. Patterson”, as so many students knew him, spent most of his teaching career. Pat passed away in 1978. Linda married Robert “Bob” Zordel in 1985. Linda always kept busy, first raising her children and running a household very efficiently. Linda was very community minded and could be found at most Hill City functions. As if she wasn’t busy enough, she sewed her children’s clothing and since she and Pat were avid square dancers, she made square dance outfits. Her children remember the crafts and “hundreds” of neckties she created. Since she loved to crochet and embroidery, Linda made many afghans and quilts, most of which were given as gifts to her family. Later, she was found working in the grade school lunchroom, then the Times Office for Marie Engleman; and after Marie sold the newspaper, she worked for Bob Boyd. Her next career found her at the Graham County Courthouse, not only in the Treasurer’s and Registrar of Deed’s Offices, but eventually working as secretary for her husband, the County Superintendent of Schools. Later she worked for the Cable Company, and then the Kobler Drug Store for Maureen Super. Linda was preceded in death by her four sisters and their spouses; one sister-in-law and one step daughter. Left to mourn her passing are: one brother, Arlynn Weinman of Phillipsburg; her children: Coralie Lukens of Wichita, Jerry and Jeannie Patterson of Wakefield, and Kenneth Patterson of Clay Center; step children: Terry and Lao Zordel of Alabama, Peggy and Jim Carter of Texas, Kelly Bliss of Texas, Tim and Sandy Zordel of Silver Lake, Danny and Loretta Zordel of Hays, Matt Venechak of Arizona; nine grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren, ten step-grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. All will remember that Linda was definitely a people person. She was a resident of Hill City for the last 71 years, so she knew a lot of folks. One thing about Linda was her curiosity about everyone she met. If you were a stranger, she always asked who you were and then the conversation commenced. If you encountered Linda, you could bet you were going to stay and talk, she seemed to draw you in with her quick smile and gift of gab, all the while holding your hand. If Linda considered you a friend once, you were a friend for life. As you read the poem that Linda jotted down long ago; remember that she cared so deeply for you. As we give Linda back to the Lord, give thanks that she was a part of our lives. Rest in Peace, Linda. "Within the garden of my heart where flowers of friendship grow, there are blossoms of remembrance; forget-me-nots so blue, and purple velvet pansies to tell my thoughts of you. And roses that will always bloom whatever be the weather, whose fragrance is the memory of days we spent together."