Patricia Ann Thompson, 92, passed away on July 25, 2026, at Meadowlark Pointe in Cozad. Patricia Ann (Kase) Bargholz-Thompson was born on Nov. 2, 1933, in Santa Barbara, California, to George and Etta (Ricketts) Kase.
She grew up with her brother, Steven. In 1935, the family moved to San Diego, California, where her father worked on the construction of the Ford Building and Civic Center for the California Pacific International Exposition in Balboa Park.
At the age of 11, Patricia accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at College Avenue Baptist Church and was baptized, beginning a lifelong faith that guided her throughout her life. As a teenager, Patricia was a member of a professional singing group that performed throughout the San Diego area and even auditioned in Hollywood, which was an exciting and memorable experience.
She graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in 1952 before attending San Diego City College to study business. However, her true passion was music. She pursued voice lessons, formal opera training, choir under the direction of the well-known Carl Dewes, and even studied ballet. She later worked for a local loan company in downtown San Diego.
In the fall of 1952, Patricia met a handsome San Diego firefighter, Captain Clarence 'Clare' Bargholz. The couple married in June 1953 and to this beautiful union were born two children: Jeff, and Jodi. Patricia devoted herself to her family while continuing to develop her many creative talents. She later studied catering, cake decorating, and floral design and worked for a time at San Diego Exclusive Florist.
In November 1971, at the age of 37, Patricia was shocked and devastated by the sudden loss of her beloved husband, Clare, who suffered a fatal heart attack resulting from heart damage sustained while fighting a large fire.
In 1972, while traveling to the Holy Land with her pastor and his wife, Patricia met Paul Thompson of Cozad. This relationship grew and the couple was married on Dec. 1, 1973. Together they made their home in Gothenburg where they enjoyed many years together. Although she built a wonderful life in Nebraska, Patricia always held a special place in her heart for her California roots. She cherished the beaches and beauty of San Diego, and her love for the ocean became a treasured family tradition that she joyfully passed on to her daughter and grandchildren. Time spent together at the beach created some of their most cherished memories.
Patricia's love of music and ministry led her to direct and produce Easter and Christmas dramas for 10 years at Calvary Assembly of God Church in North Platte. Throughout her life, she also taught tambourine, gourmet cooking, and sign language classes. She and Paul became active in the Gothenburg Community Playhouse, where Patricia played a significant role in creating costumes for productions of “My Fair Lady” and “Oliver!” A gifted writer, Patricia later authored and published three books of inspirational poetry.
Patricia loved bringing people together. She enjoyed hosting parties, spending time with family and friends, and generously sharing her many talents. Over the years, she created hundreds of wedding and specialty cakes. She was a devoted mother, faithful prayer warrior, and loving grandmother. She also lovingly embraced her stepdaughter, Dorrie (Bargholz) Umlauf, and later her stepchildren, Richard Thompson and Dianne Thompson.
Patricia is survived by her daughter, Jodi (Keith) Carlson; her stepdaughter, Dorrie (Bargholz) Umlauf; and her stepson, Richard Thompson. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Michael) Todd, Sandra (Bill) Ford, Alicia (Steve) Nelson, Jailyn (Justin) Strasburg, Jordan (Liz) Carlson, Joelle (Peter) Hargadine, and Colonel Alison Thompson USMC (Ret) and Dr. Kishla Askins. Her great-grandchildren include, Piper and Parker Strasburg, Lainy, Gideon, Claire, and Jude Carlson, Michelle Umlauf, Rose, Jarrod, John and Alisa Ford. She is also survived by her nephews, Donald (Kristina) Kase of Placentia, California, and Monte Kase of North Carolina; along with great-nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, George and Etta Kase; brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Manon Kase; first husband, Captain Clarence 'Clare' Bargholz; second husband, Paul Thompson; son, Jeff Bargholz; stepdaughter, Dianne Thompson; great-granddaughter, Juliet Strasburg; brother-in-law, Leonard Bargholz, sisters-in-law, Naomi Bargholz, Jeanette (Bargholz) Meister and Barbara Bargholz; niece, Scheri (Bargholz) Whitten; and nephews, Terry Bargholz and Mark Kase.
Patricia will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her beautiful singing voice, her creativity, her generous spirit, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her legacy of faith, service, hospitality, and encouragement will continue to bless all who knew and loved her.
A funeral service will be held Friday, July 31, at 2:30 p.m. at Victory Assembly of God in Gothenburg, with Pastors Mark Borchardt and Blake Frost officiating. Patricia will be laid to rest alongside her first husband in the Fireman's Circle at the Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego. Memorials may be made to Victory Assembly of God or the Sun Theatre. Online condolences can be made at www.blasestrauser.com.Funeral. Arrangements were trusted to Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel & Monuments of Gothenburg.