Patricia Ellen Trostel

Patricia Ellen (Shellhammer) Trostel, age 88, passed away at home on January 13, 2024 following an extended illness. Born August 4,1935 in Valentine, NE, she was the daughter of Carl and Ellen (Sanderson) Clinkenbeard. She graduated from high school in O’Neill, NE in 1953.

Pat (“Tricia”) was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, R. Wally Shellhammer, and her husband of 11 years, Luke Trostel, as well as her five siblings. She is survived by her four children, Karen (Ken) Kitchens of Colorado Springs, CO, Pam Kjar of Grand Island, NE, Dave (Eva) Shellhammer of Alachua, FL, and Lisa (Jim) Tebo of Grand Junction, CO. She is also survived by her grandchildren Stephanie (A.J.) Bedan, Matt (Laura) Hoff, Brittany Kitchens, Beth Kjar, Laura (Jeff) McQuinn, Jonas Shellhammer, Sara (Kevin) Vanarsdall, Marcus Shellhammer, Kelsey (Seth Baker) Tebo, and Scott (Kalae) Martin. She had 11 great-grandchildren.

Pat held various positions over the years. She retired in 1992 as a sales representative for high-tech water analysis equipment from Hach Chemical Company in Loveland, CO. In her retirement, she took on the role of “Foster Grandparent” in the Tupper Lake, NY public school district, providing instructional support in the elementary school computer lab.

Pat could be described as outgoing, vivacious, and having a great sense of humor. She was passionate about travel, adventure, family and sports. She visited multiple countries over the years and lived in several states following her retirement. She enjoyed road trips and camping into her final year of life. She was a dedicated fan of the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning, the Denver Broncos, and the Nebraska Huskers Volleyball and Football teams. Likewise, she was exceptionally proud of the accomplishments, playfulness, and sports participation of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and relished any opportunity to share in their experiences.

A celebration of life will be held by family members this July amongst the wildflowers in her beloved Colorado Rocky Mountains. In lieu of gifts, please consider making a donation to HopeWest Hospice in Grand Junction, CO, whose staff have been instrumental in helping Pat make the most of life.