Patricia "Pat" L. Carda

Patricia “Pat” L. Carda, 81, of Sioux City, peacefully passed away in her home on July 23, 2025. Visitation will be held Friday, August 1, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with a service at 7:00 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Pat was born in Sioux City on April 16, 1944, to Helen (Amick) and Basil Sheets. She grew up in Morningside, where she made many lifelong friends, and it was through those friendships that she met Leo Gengler. The two married on June 29, 1963, and they raised two children, Kris and Jeff, who were always the heart of her world.

Pat loved connecting with others. Over the years, she belonged to singles groups, many lunch groups, and a square-dancing group. During one night of dancing, Pat met Jim Carda and quickly sparked a romance. While visiting Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo, something she and Jim loved to do, they were married on December 10, 1994. Pat and Jim shared many incredible years together, splitting their time between Sioux City, Tabor, South Dakota, and Lake Andes, South Dakota.

Pat’s career included roles at Security National Bank, Sears department store, a phone answering service, and American Popcorn Company, from which she retired after 30 years of service.

She had many interests, from reading, crosswords, and decorating, to shopping and occasional trips to the casino. But nothing brought her more joy than spending time with family. Holidays, game nights, dinners, and an annual Christmas shopping trip to Omaha were some of her most cherished memories.

In recent years, Pat made wonderful new connections as a member and resident of the Village Cooperative. She loved spending time with these new friends, whether it was breakfast outings, potlucks, attending concerts, or playing cards (she’d tell you she usually won).

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her brother Donald Murphy; her sister Constance Murphy; sisters-in-law Jean Murphy and Anita Murphy; and her parents, Helen and Basil.

She is survived by her daughter Kris (Brian) Collins; son Jeff (Diana Douglas) Gengler; grandchildren Ryan Collins and Ashley (Ryan) Bates; and her great-granddaughters Hallie and Haisley Bates. She is also survived by her brothers Parnell (Barb) Murphy and Howard “Sonny” (Cathy) Murphy, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.