Mary Patricia (Pat) Van Sambeek Plutz

Mary (Pat) Plutz was an extraordinary woman who led an extraordinary life. She was born the 9th child to Peter Sr. and Marie (Wachtendonck) Van Sambeek of Kimberly, Wisconsin on July 13, 1941. Pat passed through Heaven's gates on Monday, March 27, 2017, while at home with her beloved husband of 54 years by her side.

To know Pat was to love her, as her dedication and loyalty to family, friends and her nation knew no bounds, and she was adored by all. As a result of 21 years as an active duty military wife to her husband, a Vietnam veteran, and her unwavering support of all of her brothers who served in WWII and the Korean War respectively, Pat's patriotic spirit was profound and contagious to those around her. Even well into retirement, she continued to regularly send care boxes to active service members overseas, and every Memorial Day, Pat and Les sold poppies to raise money for veterans' programs. She was an active member and Chaplain of the American legion Auxiliary of Wisconsin and Texas, and the VFW Auxiliary in McKinney, Texas, and never hesitated to alert businesses if their American flags were in need of replacement.

Pat graduated from Kimberly High School in 1959, and then worked at the high school until she was united in marriage to Lester C. Plutz on April 30, 1962 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Kimberly, Wisconsin. Lester was a member of the United States Air Force, and their travels took them all over the northeast and central United States. After Lester's retirement from the Air Force, they settle in Bristol, Wisconsin. Pat worked at Abbott Laboratories for 25 years before retiring. Pat and Lester then moved to Texas to be closer to their children.

Pat is survived by her husband, Lester, two daughters, Lisa (Andrew) Reed of Houston and Lynn (Brian) Lorenz of Frisco: three grandchildren, Jessica (Ryan) Springer, Jacob Bohn, Joseph Lorenz and one great-grandchild Finnley Springer. She is also survived by a brother, Thomas (Maria) Van Sambeek and a sister, Mickey Gray. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Marie Schmidt, five brothers, Peter Van Sambeek Jr, John Van Sambeek, Sam Van Sambeek, William Van Sambeek and Francis Van Sambeek.

A visitation will be held at 4:30 pm Thursday, March 30, 2017 with a Prayer of Commendation by Fr. Don Zeiler at 5:00 pm then the family will continue to have visitation with friends until 10:00 pm at Stonebriar Funeral Home Chapel, 10375 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75033. Please join them if you are able.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St Gabriel Church in Honor of Mary Plutz. St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 110 St. Gabriel Way, McKinney, TX 75071 or you may reach the church at 972-542-7170.