Obituary of Patricia L. Wells

Patricia L. (Albrecht) Wells, of Sioux Falls passed away on December 23, 2012 at the Dougherty Hospice House after a lengthy battle with ALS. A Catholic Memorial Mass was held on her birthday, January 4, 2013 to celebrate her life. Patti generously donated her body to science so that doctors have the opportunity to continue to work towards a cure. A Catholic Memorial Mass will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, May 13, 2013 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. Ken Lulf officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton. Visitations will begin at 3:00 PM, Sunday, May 12, 2013 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, with a rosary at 6:30 PM followed by a Scripture service at 7:00 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements. Patti was born on January 4, 1967 in Fargo, N.D. and was adopted by Mary and Paul Albrecht in April 1967. She spent her years growing up in Yankton and participated in many activities around the community. Patti started dance classes at Judi's Dance Studio in 1971 and continued throughout high school. She was an elegant gymnast excelling on the floor and balance beam. She was a Yankton Gazelle basketball player throughout high school. She participated in track, school plays and band. While growing up, she was an active 4-H member who exhibited in horticulture, sewing, cooking and crafts. She won several purple ribbons at State throughout the years. Patti's first job was at the family-owned convenience store, Paul's Kwik Stop. She graduated from Yankton High School and received her Bachelor's Degree (with honors) and Master's Degree from the University of South Dakota. Patti was a lifelong educator and touched the lives of many of her students from fourth grade through college As an educator, Patti received much recognition over the years but it was her volunteer work that she was most proud of. As an Army spouse, Patti headed the Family Readiness Group during two combat deployments in which she mentored young wives of deployed Soldiers. She was honored as the Fort Riley, Kansas Volunteer of the Year in 2004. Patti was the recipient of the Dr. Mary Walker Award, Molly Pitcher Award, NISOD Award for Excellence in Teaching among her many accolades and achievements. Patti was lucky to have two families that loved her very much and that love was reciprocated. As an adopted child, she also had strong ties to her biological family. Survivors include her husband, David Wells; son, Zach Albrecht; mother, Mary Albrecht; sister, Nancy (Brad) Wenande; biological parents, Jack Kushman and Pam Hutchison; sisters: Nanette Hulscher, Stacey Basher, and Steph Kushman; brothers: John Kushman and Nick Hutchison.