Patricia "Pat" Jean O'Toole

Patricia “Pat” Jean O’Toole, 82, of Springville, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, Iowa. A visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until the service. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.

Born on January 18, 1944, in Keokuk, Iowa, Pat was the beloved daughter of Richard and Helen (Varner) Runge. She graduated from Regis High School in 1963. On November 12, 1966, Pat was united in marriage to John Joseph O’Toole II at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Pat began her career managing the advertising department at The Gazette before finding her true calling. For over 50 years, she ran her own home daycare, opening her doors and heart to countless families. Her deep empathy showed in her personal rule to always reserve a place in her care for a child with special needs, as well as in her dedicated involvement in foster care. Patient and gentle, Pat had a heart for everyone she met, often helping young couples just starting out and generously shopping for others to make sure no one went without.

Outside of her daycare, she enjoyed traveling, spending quiet time reading, and filling her home with warmth through her cooking and baking. An accomplished crafter, she delighted in cross-stitching, crocheting, and quilting, lovingly stitching a blanket for each child. Above all, she treasured her family, loved them to the ends of the earth and back, and rarely missed an opportunity to attend her grandkids' activities to cheer them on. Pat was a parishioner at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Springville. Her warmth, generosity, and boundless care will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Pat is survived and lovingly remembered by her high school sweetheart and husband of over 60 years, Jack O’Toole of Springville; daughter, Christina Durant of Marion; son, Richard O’Toole of Springville; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and two stepsisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Helen Runge; and several brothers and sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Pat’s memory may be directed to the family.