Sister Patricia A. Neckel

Sister Patricia Ann Neckel, 87, of the Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, Ohio, died on Monday, February 25, 2019, at 8:45 P.M. at St. Francis Home. She was born September 20, 1931, to Francis Xavier and Mary Catherine (Siefker) Neckel in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sister Patricia Ann Neckel, formerly known as Sister Mary Andrew, the oldest of four children, two brothers, Francis and Joseph and a sister, Mary Agnes.  She is survived by her sister, Mary (Neckel) Read.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Frank Neckel and Joseph Neckel.

Growing up in Milan, Michigan, Sister Pat expressed an aptitude and interest in music at an early age.  She learned to play the guitar, the piano, the acoustic guitar and the stand up bass. Sister Pat began her ministry by teaching elementary classes in Edgerton, Fort Jennings, Bucyrus, Peru, and Landeck, Ohio. She also served as principal and junior high teacher in Landeck and Oak Harbor, Ohio. She utilized her educational and musical talents by serving as a music teacher in Fort Collins, Colorado, and then teaching math and psychology at St. Francis High School where she also directed the school choir. She also taught piano and guitar lessons at St. Francis School of Music.

Sister Pat earned her M.A. in Elementary Education Administration from the College of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota. While, caring for her aging mother, Sister Pat taught private music lessons, tutored students in numerous academic subjects, and served as weekend organist and song leader at the Milan Prison. She served as a music teacher and organist in Milan, Michigan, for over 20 years.

One highlight of her life was a Caribbean cruise with her sister and brother-in-law during which time she was invited to perform with her guitar, leading the audience in singing “How Great Thou Art.” Of great significance were her various Jubilees celebrating her years in religious life and her song, “Francis, Build My House,” being accepted for inclusion in “Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise.”
Due to continuing physical problems, Sister Pat returned to Tiffin in 2014 and entered St. Francis Home. While living there she served as Minister of Prayer and Service, visiting residents and leading the residents in singing.

Visitation for friends and family will be 12-1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3, 2019, at St. Francis Home Chapel, 182 St. Francis Avenue, Tiffin; and then 2-7 p.m. with a wake service at 7 at St. Francis Convent Chapel, 200 St. Francis Avenue, Tiffin and again Monday, March 4, 2019, from 9-10:30 a.m. in St. Francis Convent Chapel.

The funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Monday March 4, at the convent chapel with burial following in the convent cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Francis Convent or St. Francis Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe St. Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113.
To send condolences, go to: www.traunerofuneralhome.com