Patricia Teresa (McKernan) Warhank formerly of Rudyard, MT passed away due to natural causes on January 29, 2023, in Chester, MT. She was 93 years old. Patricia was born on March 11, 1929, in Havre, MT and was the fifth of five children born to Michael and Hannah (Friel) McKernan. Michael and Hannah immigrated to America from Ireland in the early 1900s. Along with their parents, the children, Michael, Jr., Mary, Nora, Kathleen (Kay), and Pat made their home on a farm near Box Elder, MT. Patricia, affectionately known by her family as Patty, attended Box Elder Schools. She was proud to inform people that she was the Hill County Spelling Bee champion when in the seventh grade and fondly remembered playing drums in the marching band at Havre’s annual music festival parade. Pat spent many an hour with her sister, Kay, herding sheep on the farm. Later she worked in Havre at Buttrey’s grocery and would remind her children often about how to perform customer service per her training there.
Pat married Raymond Warhank in a double wedding ceremony with her sister, Kay, and Adam Schweitzer, who was Raymond’s best friend. They married at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Havre. Pat and Kay met the young men at a post-World War II dance at the Rudyard Community Hall which was a hub of activity in those days.
Pat and Raymond raised six children. They enjoyed following all the children’s school activities. Pat was a devoted wife and mother. She worked alongside Raymond at Rudyard Lumber Company as well as Rudyard Ready Mix. Pat was an active member of the Holy Family Altar Society and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was instrumental in promoting the building of the Holy Family Catholic Youth Center in Rudyard and her son, Chad, was baptized at the new building in 1966. Pat taught Catechism and served as Secretary of the District Council of Catholic Women. She was also a member of the VFW auxiliary and the local TOPS club.
Pat enjoyed baking, gardening, reading, playing pinochle, whist, and doing the daily Jumble. However, what she really loved was antiquing with Raymond. They spent numerous hours attending auction sales, garage sales, and restoring antique furniture. Many of her collectibles were sold at antique shows across the state under the banner of Pat’s Antiques.
The family will cherish memories of her fun-loving spirit, her famous apple pie, and her love for her Irish heritage. Pat is survived by her children, Gary (Cathy) Warhank, Dave (Ann) Warhank, Nancy (Paul) Wolery, Janice Warhank, Chad Warhank; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; husband, Raymond; and daughter, Colleen.
Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Inverness, Rudyard Historical Society, or organization of donor’s choice. Pat will be laid to rest with her husband, Raymond, at the Rudyard Cemetery. Plans for a celebration of life will be forthcoming.
