1951 — 2025
Patrica Larsen Wallerich was a 1969 graduate of Spirit Lake High School and obtained her degrees in education (bachelors and masters) from Mankato State and Arizona State. After leaving the Midwest, she moved to the Phoenix area where she taught first grade for over 30 years. In 2007, she moved to Kaua’i where she began another career working for Kamehameha Schools’ Preschools (a private school serving Native Hawaiians) which she retired from in 2019.
She was an “Iowa farm girl” who made Hawai’i her home and whose communities welcomed her to support their children and families through education. Working closely with teachers and other staff she was also able to share her years of knowledge and experience with another generation of educators.
Pat loved the beach and would retreat there whenever possible. She was also a devoted grandmother and could often be seen on the phone with them, loving and supporting them from afar. Pat was loved by all who knew her and especially by Marc, her husband of 43 years. He was by her side as she fought a very challenging and aggressive illness which never removed the sparkle in her eyes or the laughter in her voice.
Pat died peacefully on April 1, in her beloved home on Kaua’i. She is predeceased by her parents, Ivan and Evelyn Larsen, grandparents, Harley and Minnie Schultz of Spirit Lake. She is survived by her husband, Marc Wallerich, daughter, Kristen, son-in-Law Andy and her cherished grandchildren, Colton and Kennedy Hayes.
According to her wishes, Patrica has been cremated and her ashes will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean with her husband’s after his passing.
There will be a legacy fund in Pat’s name established through Kamehameha Schools’ Pauahi Foundation for preschool children in need. More information will be forthcoming.