Patricia J. Delisi, 66, Emerson

Patricia Jean Delisi, age 66, of Emerson, died Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at the Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, after an extended illness. Funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 29, 2009, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Oak with Father Ken Gross officiating. Burial was in the Emerson Cemetery.

Born Aug. 29, 1942 in Lincoln, Neb., the daughter of Franklin and Pauline (Baker) Sheldon, she was raised in Lincoln, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1960. In her early work career, she was employed by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, State Farm Insurance and later the State Capitol in Lincoln. She married Robert Delisi on Jan. 26, 1963, in Lincoln. They moved to the Emerson area in 1969 living near Wesley Chapel. In the spring of 1970, they moved into Emerson. Over the years Mrs. Delisi worked for Henry Fields in Shenandoah and the Thomas D. Murphy Company in Red Oak, where she was a member of the 15-20 year club. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Emerson Public Library Board, the Book Club and volunteered at the school. She loved to read, go to lunch with friends, visit with her sisters, and was a wonderful baker, making the best chocolate cakes and frosted sugar cookies. Her greatest joy came from her family and her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; infant brother Eugene; brother Dick Sheldon; sisters, Maxine Struble and Alice Friedman. Survivors include her husband Robert Delisi of Emerson; daughter Lisa Keltner of Malvern; son Andy Delisi and wife Kristina of Runnells; six grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Marvin Sheldon; Ruby Friedman; Charlotte Fifer; and Mike Sheldon all of Lincoln, Neb.; and Jan Ryan of Benson, Ariz.; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends plus Molly; Eddie; Maggie; and Rufus.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak was in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Arthritis Foundation.