Obituary published on Legacy.com by Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory - Loves Park on Aug. 4, 2025.
Patricia "Pat" Zoellick, age 83, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully after a long illness, with her beloved husband Harry and devoted son Todd at her side. Born on May 10, 1942, in Chicago, IL, Pat was the cherished daughter of Gilbert and Anne (Herter) Loewe. She was a proud alumna of Messiah Lutheran School, Luther North High School, and Concordia College, where she laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to teaching and nurturing young minds. On June 29, 1975, Pat married the love of her life, Harry Zoellick, in Chicago. Their journey together took them from Fort Wayne, IN, to their home in Rockford, IL, where they recently celebrated 50 beautiful years of marriage.
A gifted educator, Pat spent five decades shaping the lives of her students with kindness, energy, and heart. She began her teaching career in Westmont, IL, where she also coached volleyball and cheerleading. Later, she taught at Messiah Lutheran School and in New Haven, Indiana. For the last 25 years of her career, she joyfully guided preschoolers at "Mom's Day Out" at First Free Evangelical Church in Rockford, retiring in 2015. Pat also spent 17 years working part-time at Stones Hallmark on Riverside, where she shared her warmth with customers and colleagues alike.
Above all, Pat was devoted to her family. No matter how full her days were, she always made time for those she loved. She found joy in the simple pleasures-bowling, golfing, traveling, and spending winter days in Florida with Todd. Her presence was a constant source of love, laughter, and unwavering support. Pat's legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her teaching, friendship, and deep love for her family.
The family would like to specially thank the doctors and nurses at Javon Bae Hospital for their tender care and support for Pat during these difficult times.
Pat is survived by her husband, Harry Zoellick; son, Todd (David Dunlap) Zoellick; brother, Gilbert (Beth) Loewe Jr.; grand-dog, Dakota. Predeceased by her parents, Gilbert and Anne Loewe.
A funeral will be held for Pat on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at First Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61107, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation starting at 9:00 AM and continuing until the time of service. A visitation will be held Friday, August 8, 2025, at Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory–Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd.,
Loves Park, IL 61111, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM . Burial will follow the funeral service on Saturday at Scandinavian Cemetery in Rockford, IL. Donations may be made to "Mom's Day Out" preschool at First Free Church, 2223 N Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61107, or First Love International Ministries, P.O. Box 15836,
Loves Park, IL 61132.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia "Pat" A. Zoellick, please visit our floral store.