MASON CITY — Patricia Ann “Pat” Toepfer, 94, of Mason City, a dedicated nurse, longtime hospital volunteer and beloved mother whose compassion touched countless lives across North Iowa, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. From her years caring for patients to her adventures traveling, skiing and spending winters in Florida, Pat embraced life with energy, kindness and a deep devotion to family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, October 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Epiphany Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church, 300 Fifth Street SE in Mason City. Burial will follow at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.
Visitation will take place Thursday, October 15, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church, immediately before the funeral Mass.
Pat was born November 19, 1931, in Mason City, the daughter of Harold and Peg (Martin) LaGasse. Growing up in North Iowa, she developed the strong sense of community and compassion that would guide her throughout her life.
She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1949 and continued her education at St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota, graduating in 1952.
Her nursing education prepared her for a lifetime of helping others, a calling that extended well beyond her professional career.
On October 24, 1953, Pat married Bud Toepfer at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City. The newlyweds began their married life in Dayton, Ohio, and later moved to Cedar Falls, where their first three sons, Scott, Steve and Tom, were born.
In 1957, the family returned to Mason City, where their youngest son, John, was born at Mercy Hospital.
Pat worked at Mercy Hospital and later spent 13 years with North Iowa Community Action, continuing her commitment to serving individuals and families throughout the region.
Her dedication to healthcare did not end with retirement. She volunteered at Mercy Hospital for another 10 years, generously giving her time and experience to the community she had served throughout her career.
When Bud retired, the couple began spending their winters in Florida, enjoying the warmer weather and the opportunity to be near Pat’s sister, Connie.
Those winter trips became a cherished part of their later years together, giving them time to travel, relax and enjoy family connections.
Following Bud’s death in 2009, Pat continued making the journey to Florida each winter until 2017. During her time there, she was a member of Holy Cross Church in Vero Beach.
Her Catholic faith remained an important part of her life, providing a lasting connection to the churches and communities she called home.
Pat possessed an adventurous spirit and enjoyed making the most of life’s opportunities. She loved reading, traveling and skiing, and she was always enthusiastic about cheering on Iowa athletic teams, no matter which school was playing.
Above all, family remained her greatest source of happiness.
She treasured the time spent with her four sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family, maintaining close relationships across generations.
Friends and neighbors remember a woman full of energy, warmth and curiosity. Her thoughtful conversations, generous nature and willingness to help others left lasting impressions on those fortunate enough to know her.
Pat is survived by her four sons, Scott Toepfer of Breckenridge, Colorado; Steve (Nancy) Toepfer of Oacoma, South Dakota; Tom (Darlene) Toepfer of Concho, Arizona; and John Toepfer of Houston, Minnesota.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Beau Toepfer, Eric Toepfer and Amber Toepfer; great-grandchildren Temple Stone, Scout Stone and Ansen Toepfer; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members, including Teresa Fuston, Julie Repperger, Don and Jeff Skipton, Linda Zahnd, Lisa Skipton and Becky Hosmer.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Bud Toepfer; parents, Harold and Peg LaGasse; sister, Connie Scar; parents-in-law, Don and Ruby Toepfer; sisters-in-law Joan Skipton and Bonnie Lyons; and niece Deborah Lyons.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Epiphany Parish or the Newman Catholic Foundation in honor of Pat’s life and her longstanding dedication to faith and community.
Family and friends may share memories, offer condolences and find additional service information through Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels’ online tribute to Patricia Toepfer.
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