Patricia A. Hellenkamp

Obituary Patricia Ann Hellenkamp, 76 died peacefully Saturday, December 23, 2006, shortly after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. She is survived by husband Henry (Hank), sons Joel (Sherry), Greg, Terry (Amy), Chris (Donella) and Mark (Kimberly), and 12 grandchildren. Pat was born August 1, 1930 in Dunkerton, Iowa to Clarence and Myrtle Strain. She graduated from St. Catherine's University in St. Paul, Minnesota with a degree in music and moved to Tacoma in 1954, where she met and married Hank Hellenkamp. Pat was known for her devotion to family and friends, her wit and energy, her wonderful singing voice, her love of music, and her generous hospitality and outstanding cooking. She worked as a choir director, music coordinator, and music teacher for many years in Tacoma at St. Francis Cabrini, Aquinas Academy, Annie Wright School, St. Patrick's and St. Rita's, and also directed and performed in several singing and musical groups. Surrounded by family and friends, she and Hank celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in August 2005. For the last several years, Pat and Hank explored the northwest with their regular biking trips and she and Hank spent winters in Palm Springs, California. A Vigil will take place on Wednesday, December 27 at 7:00 p.m., with the funeral to follow on Thursday, December 28 at 11:00 a.m. Both services will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.