Patricia “Pat” Ann Bruening, age 76, of Odebolt, IA, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Loring Hospital in Sac City, surrounded by her loving family.

   Patricia Ann Pilling was born on July 30, 1949, in Council Bluffs, IA, to John and Leona (Magers) Pilling. She grew up in the Omaha, NE, area and graduated from Omaha South High School in 1967. While still in high school she worked as a waitress. One day while working, she met Raymond Bruening who would become the love of her life and husband. As the story goes, Pat slipped Ray a note during her shift asking if he would take her to prom—and the rest, as they say, is history.

   Pat and Ray were united in marriage on December 27, 1967, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Omaha. The couple made their home in Omaha and in 1968 Ray was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After returning home in 1969, they remained in Omaha for a few more years before settling on a farm near Odebolt. Together they were blessed with five children: Greg, Grant, John, Gina, and Jared.

   Pat was dedicated first and foremost to her family. She stayed home to raise her children until the youngest was in school, after which she worked at Casey’s General Store, cleaned homes, and later found her true work family at Twilight Acres Nursing Home. She spent 34 years in the housekeeping department there until retiring due to health issues. Twilight Acres was like a second home to her—every resident was someone she cared for deeply, and she treated each one as though they were family.

   Pat’s heart was enormous and unmistakable. She showed her love openly and generously, always placing the needs and well-being of others before her own. She was a caretaker in the truest sense: protective, thoughtful, and endlessly attentive. Her children will forever remember her as the mom who stayed up late to ensure they arrived home safely, who listened without judgment, who celebrated every milestone, and who made sure no holiday or birthday passed for them or even their children without receiving a card in the mail.

   She was also known for her talents in the kitchen. Pat was an exceptional cook and baker—famous for her banana bread, beautifully decorated cakes, and her highly sought-after potato salad that friends and neighbors often ordered for their special events. She loved celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and proudly answered to her affectionate nicknames, “Packer Patty” and “Patty Cakes.” A devoted Green Bay Packers fan, she cheered enthusiastically every season.

   Pat was a longtime member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Odebolt, where she served on the guild and contributed however and whenever she was able.

   To her husband and her children, she was a HERO—steadfast, resilient, and full of unwavering love. She fought hard for her family, stood by them through every challenge, and celebrated each accomplishment with genuine pride.

   Pat truly made the world brighter. She took time to acknowledge others, to show kindness, and to make people feel valued. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, generosity, and a life lived with a heart wide open. We need more people like Patty in this world. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

   Pat is survived by her husband, Ray Bruening of Odebolt, IA; children Greg (Teresa) Bruening of Sac City, IA, John (Jennifer) Bruening of Sioux City, IA, Gina Miller of Omaha, NE, and Jared (Elizabeth) Bruening of Iowa City, IA; grandchildren: Austin (Taylor) Bruening, Madison (Tanner) Bohm, Afton Miller (Sheing Ng), Mager (Nikki) Miller, Dakota Miller (Suzanne Weber), Callie Bruening, Mariah Bruening, Grayson Bruening, Kylie Bruening, Gracie Bruening, and Lily Bruening; great-grandchildren Emmet Bruening and Baby Bruening on the way, and Dean Miller; brother-in-law Luvern (Mary) Bruening of Wall Lake, IA, and Gerald Kessler of Pierre, SD; several nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.

   She was preceded in death by infant son, Grant Bruening; parents John and Leona Pilling; sister Pam Pochop; parents-in-law Vincent and Lillian Bruening; sisters-in-law Marlene (Jim) Bolita and Joan Kessler.