Patricia “Miss Pat” Peare, age 83 of Richfield, MN, passed away on Thursday morning at home, January 16, 2020. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2020 from 4-7 PM and on Friday, January 24, 2020 starting at 9:30 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11 AM all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee. Pat will be laid to rest at Lebanon Cemetery in Apple Valley, MN.
On one of the coldest days of 1936, Pat was born on February 16th to Otto and Gertrude (Gates) Lagerstrom. Pat was raised in Richfield with her 5 sisters and brother on the same property she raised her own kids. When she was 16 years old Pat faced an unexpected hardship, the death of her mother. She took on new responsibilities caring for her younger sisters and developed a deep appreciation of her family.
While attending Washburn High School, Pat was introduced to her friend’s brother, a young man named John “Jack” Peare. It was love at first sight and the two were married on January 23, 1954 at the Congregational Church in Richfield. They were blessed with 54 years together and a loving family.
A hardworking and talented woman, Pat transformed her love of dance into a career. She began with the Cedric Adams Tour Group as a baton twirler and assisting in magic shows. Later, Pat began teaching and opened her dance studio, Pat Peare School of Dance, in Eagan.
For more than 60 years, Pat lived and breathed for the dance studio. Whether she was traveling for competitions, parades, community shows or instructing the dancers to “keep their Knockers Up,” Pat was dedicated to her students. While she expected hard work from her students, Pat also believed in having fun at the studio. The studio was invited to perform at many amazing destinations including Hawaii, Disney World, Epcot, Las Vegas, Branson, New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Cruise Ships, Canada and more. The memories are priceless. She especially loved hosting the yearly Easter party, complete with a dance show, treats and visit from the Easter bunny. She also traveled at Christmas to several senior care homes where her students performed a magical show bringing such joy to the elderly at a special time of year.
The studio was a true family matter—Pat’s husband, children, and sisters were all involved. Along with dance, Pat’s greatest joy in life was her family. In the early years, she loved nothing more than piling her children into their station wagon and taking road trips, often visiting relatives along the way. Her favorite past-times back then were bowling and playing cards with family and friends (which she always seemed to win). She was also close with her siblings and their families. When family came to town, Pat cleared her schedule to spend time with them. Pat was an exceptional wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma. Pat will be remembered for her feisty but caring spirit and the legacy she left for all of us who loved her.
A caring and generous woman, Pat will be missed by her children, Doug Peare, Mike (Lily) Peare, Kari Jo Adams, Mark (Rhonda) Peare, Tammy (Jim) Nelson; grandchildren, Jeff (Anne) Bradley, Kim (Chad) Kortz, Amy Peare (Joe Stagner), Kirk Peare (Jessica Van Voltenberg), Monica Spencer, Melissa Peare, Bobby Peare, A.J. (Amber) Peare, Shay Peare (Todd Kamish), Katie Peare, Nick Peare, Jennica Nelson, Jared Nelson, Jerica Nelson (Lauro Cerero), Janea Nelson; great grandchildren, Tyler, Mollie, Gemma, Rachel, Kaleigh, Nevaeh, Karys, Jackson, Emmy, Peyton; siblings, Terry McRae, Zoie Sullivan, Bettee (Rob) Norton, Lynda (Ed) Bradley; many other relatives and friends.
Pat is welcomed in Heaven by her husband, Jack; grandchildren, Steven Adams, Alyssa Peare, Megan Peare; parents, Otto and Gertrude; siblings, Kay (Louis) Boileau and Donnie (Vicki) Lagerstrom, Sr.
