Patricia Anne Blote

Patricia Anne Blote, 90, passed away peacefully on June 15th, 2026 under hospice care at St. Martin's Village, surrounded by her family.

Patricia was born in Deadwood, South Dakota, the seventh of eight children born to Rudolph and Margaret (Bradley) Kovarik. She was raised in Red Owl, South Dakota, where her parents ran the local post office and general store. She attended a one-room schoolhouse where her mother once taught, and went on to graduate from St. Martin's Academy in Sturgis, SD. She later earned her nursing diploma from St. John's McNamara School of Nursing in Rapid City, supported by a scholarship from Maude Peterson, whose generosity she remained deeply grateful for throughout her life.

Patricia married Larry Blote at St. Anthony Church in Red Owl. They had three sons. As a busy working mother, she always made time for fishing, camping, and hiking with her boys – passions she carried with her well into her 70s and 80s.

Patricia worked as a nurse for over 20 years before joining her husband Larry and son Mark in business at First Stop Gun and Pawn in 1978, where she managed the pawn shop with her family for the next two decades.

Above all, Patricia treasured her vocation as a grandmother. She was a devoted and active presence in the lives of her six grandchildren, rarely missing a music recital, sporting event, or spelling bee. She especially loved taking them on hikes, often behind St. Martin's, with faithful companion, her golden retriever, Sam.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Blote, and her siblings Joanne Kovarik (in infancy), Jeanne Saathoff, Richard Kovarik, Wenzel Kovarik, and nephew Fr. Peter Kovarik.

She is survived by her sons, Mark Blote (Debra Watson), Mike Blote (Laura), and Steve Blote (LaRae); her sisters, Sister Carol Kovarik and Karen Patterson; her brother, Joseph Kovarik; and her grandchildren, Rosie, Brigit, Emily, Teresa, John, Grace and honorary granddaughter Rebecca, and many devoted nieces and nephews.

There will be a funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church at 10:30am on Monday, June 22nd.