D. Patrick “Pat” McLean

TRAER- D. Patrick “Pat” McLean, 62, passed away at home in Traer on Friday, January 3, 2025, after a courageous battle with colorectal cancer, never losing his positive outlook, warm, loving nature, and Irish sense of humor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1102 Walnut St., Traer, with Father Kenneth Glaser as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Paul Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4-7 PM at St. Paul Catholic Church with a Rosary at 3:45 PM.

D. Patrick McLean was born on March 17, 1962, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Donald and Catherine (Liston) McLean. He attended North Tama County Community Schools graduating in 1980. Pat was a proud farmer. After high school, he farmed with his father on their now Heritage Farm in rural Traer, Iowa, and took over after Don retired. He also worked as a bus driver and custodian for North Tama school. Pat enjoyed officiating high school baseball and softball for over 25 years and served as a Township Trustee for Perry Township since 2008.

On November 26, 1999, he was united in marriage to Sue Schaefer Krafka at St. Mary’s of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Eagle Center, Iowa, and together they had two children, Ryan and Rylee.

Pat was an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer. He volunteered as a eucharistic minister and usher and served on the Parish Council, often working the bingo and funnel cake stands at church fundraisers and community events. Pat was also a Charter member of St. Paul’s Knights of Columbus Council #8315, where he was Fourth-Degree.

Pat was an avid sports fan. He loved Cincinnati Reds baseball and was devoted to his Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Pat religiously flew his Notre Dame flag. He often hosted Notre Dame football parties to watch and cheer on the Fighting Irish. Pat enjoyed traveling to South Bend with family to enjoy Notre Dame.

Pat is survived by his wife, Susan of Traer; his children, Ryan McLean of Traer, Rylee (Logan Hiler) McLean of Vinton, Emily (Ross) Stalzer of Haverhill, and MSgt Shane (Bailey) Krafka of Alamogordo, N.M.; Grandchildren, Ben (Maddie Elliott) Krafka, Lane and Kelby Stalzer, Hadley, Fynn and Langstyn Krafka; siblings, Cecelia (Jim) Harmsen of Reinbeck and Kathy (Dan) McGrane of Waukee; nieces and nephews, Tom (Brandi) Harmsen and Todd (Amy) Harmsen, Isabel and Keira McGrane; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Catherine McLean, sister, Mary McLean, and a nephew, Michael Harmsen.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.