Patricia Marie Cihakof Harrisburg, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, May 19, 2021
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Patricia Marie Cihak was born in Winner, SD on September, 22 1966. She attended K - 2nd grade in Mission, SD until 1975 when her family moved to Philip, SD. There, she graduated as Valedictorian for the Class of 1985. She attended South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City, graduating with Mathematics and Computer Science degrees.
Her career as an IT project manager then began at GM in Detroit as a contractor for Electronics Data Systems (EDS). She transferred to Denver in 1994 to manage projects at the Coors Light Corporate office. She was extremely effective in her positions and helped these corporations get some major projects across the finish line. In 2001, she was selected for "Outstanding Alumni Recent Graduate Award" from South Dakota School of Mines for both her accomplishments in her career and her commitment to community service. She returned to her South Dakota roots in 2016 and lived in Harrisburg.
Starting in middle school, Patricia volunteered on community projects that improved both her city and the people who lived there. Her love for her Savior Lord Jesus Christ led to immeasurable hours of her beautiful voice and musical talents serving church choirs.
Patricia's passions were learning, reading, volunteering in church, music, many hobbies and love for her dog, Liberty, of 16 years. She will be loved and remembered for her faith, kindness, generosity, integrity, work ethic, love for music and her favorite saying, "Music is the prayer the heart sings."
Grateful for having shared her life are her mother, Betty (Novak) Cihak and Gregg Fritz; Brother Kenneth "Kenner" Cihak and friend Wendy Picarello and nieces Grace and Olivia; Brother Kurtis (Aimee) Cihak and niece Tennille and nephew Michael; Niece's Kayleigh, Krista, Kathleen, Mary (Cihak) Storgaard, and Nephew Jhett. Her Aunts Marlene (Russell) Stone, Virginia Sadler and Joyce Burke; dear friends Nancy Syring of Sioux Falls and Marilyn Whalon of Denver; many cousins and friends.
After being received into Jesus' arms, Patricia was greeted in Heaven by many who loved her as well. Her father, Marvin; brother, Paul; Grandparents Ed and Lucille Cihak; Grandparents Milo and Signe Novak; her Aunt Shirly Bauder, Uncle Rodney Burke and her beloved Libby.
It was Patricia's wish that memorials be directed to the St. John Paul II Building Fund, Harrisburg, SD OR Marvin & Betty Cihak Family Scholarship Fund in Philip, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Monday, May 24, 2021 at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sioux Falls.
Visitation with family present to greet friends will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a Liturgical Wake Service and Rosary at 7:00 PM on Sunday, May 23, 2021, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. Livestream of both the vigil service and funeral service is available at www.georgeboom.com
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Sturgis.
Cards and memorials can be sent to:
Betty Cihak
510 West Lake Drive
Lake Norden, SD 57248.