Lois "Pat" Erling

ERLING, Lois "Pat" Lois "Pat" Erling, passed to her eternal rest on Wednesday (June 27, 2007) at The Hospital of Central Connecticut after a brief illness. She was born on August 17, 1932 in Matoon, WI, the daughter of Rev. Theodore Thormahlen and Selma (Behrens) Thormahlen. Pat is survived by her husband of 51 years, Roald M. Erling; her daughters, Victoria and husband Richard Casa, Dawn and husband Ralph Milano, Diane Erling, Rhoda Erling Cloutier all of Bristol, Patricia and husband Albert Markley of Summerville, SC; her brother David Thormahlen of New London; her sisters, Rhoda and husband Robert Browne of Staten Island, NY, Judith Dojan of Summerville, SC; her grandchildren; Erin Casar, Alexis Miranda, Erin Markley, Nathan Milano, Christian Markley, Taylor Milano; her great-grandson Robert Casar; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren and innumerable friends. Pat graduated from Curtis High School, Staten Island, NY in 1950 and attended Concordia Teachers College where she also sang in the acclaimed Concordia Choir. She came to Bristol in 1953 to begin her teaching career at Immanuel Lutheran School under the leadership of the late Dr. Herbert L. Kern. She continued to teach while raising her family and briefly served as headmaster of the school. After helping to shape the lives of hundreds of students over the years, Pat retired from full time teaching in 1991. Following her retirement, Pat continued her dedication to the Lord's work in many ways in response to all the blessings the Lord has provided her. Most recently she served as a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church Helping Ministry. Favorite efforts each year were the food drives and the holiday season "Warm a Child" programs that all benefited the local community. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 2, 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, located on the corner of West and Meadow Street in Bristol with the Rev S. R. Schumacher, officiating. Burial will follow in Peacedale Cemetery, Bristol. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran Helping Ministry, or a charity of the donor's choice. Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol is in care of the arrangements. On line guestbook available at www.funkfuneralhome.com.