Patricia Lynn Spitzack-Havlish

1955 - 2025

Patricia Lynn Spitzack-Havlish (Curry) passed away on March 31, 2025, surrounded by loving neighbors. Patti was born on August 17, 1955, in Rochester, MN, to Harold and LaVerne (Finley) Curry. She was the oldest of nine children-two sisters and six brothers. Patti grew up in the countryside surrounding Rochester and later moved within the city limits. Patti was a vibrant, loving, and dedicated woman who touched many lives with her warmth, generosity, and strength. She married at the age of 17 and had two children with her first husband. After their divorce, she later remarried the love of her life, Frank Albert Havlish. After 23 wonderful years together, Patti was widowed. Patti worked a variety of jobs throughout her life. Her first was as a cook at Maple Manor Nursing Home. She briefly worked at Pace Dairy as a production worker before beginning a successful career in the hotel industry. Starting as a housekeeper, she advanced to front desk roles and eventually became the manager of three hotels in the Rochester area. Later, she transitioned to a role at FedEx as a Customer Service Representative, where she worked for over 30 years before retiring. Patti was a hard worker, often taking on double shifts and overtime to support her family. When she retired from FedEx, it took two employees to fill her shoes-a true testament to her dedication and work ethic. Patti loved life and adventure. She enjoyed playing bingo, camping, canoeing, and visiting amusement and water parks-always up for the thrill of the biggest rides in her younger years. She cherished family vacations, especially trips to the Wisconsin Dells, SeaWorld, and Walt Disney World. Known for her luck, Patti made several trips to Las Vegas and even won $100,000 in the Minnesota State Lottery Powerball in 2000. In her quieter moments, she loved reading books, doing puzzles, and playing board and card games. Patti's greatest pride was her family-especially her grandchildren, who brought her endless joy, laughter, and love. She was endlessly supportive of those she cared about, always helping her family thrive. She took in family members who needed a home on several occasions, offering a safe and loving place without hesitation. She never turned down a collect call from a friend or family member-she was always there when someone needed her. Patti was also her brothers' greatest fan, cheering the loudest in the crowd when they were boxing, beaming with pride and excitement. A loyal friend, she maintained lifelong friendships and always lit up the room with her bright spirit, generous nature, and great sense of humor. Patti was sociable and loved to chat-earning her the affectionate nickname "Chatty Patti." Patti is survived by her children, daughter Amy Fitt-Donovan (Spitzack) and son Anthony Spitzack; grandchildren Gatlin Fitt, Dean Donovan, Hugh Spitzack, Sara Fitt, and Peggy Spitzack; step-grandchildren Lance and Anthony Donovan and Ella Meilander; and great-grandson Jaxon Engen. She is also survived by her father Harold Curry, one sister, five brothers, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; mother, LaVerne Curry; one brother; and one sister.