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Honoring Mrs. Patty Rezek’s Legacy in Catholic Education

For the last 42 years, Patty Rezek has dedicated her life to shaping young minds. With a passion for education and strong Catholic faith, she has been a pillar of the Sts. Peter and Paul community for decades. And now, she’s stepping into a well-deserved retirement.  

A Family Legacy at Saints Peter and Paul

Education and faith run deep in Patty Rezek’s family. She is a proud alumna of Sts. Peter and Paul (SPP), along with her three brothers, her husband, Kerry, her two children AND her two grandchildren who currently attend the school. Her family’s connection to the school spans generations. 

After her own time at SPP, she graduated from Gross Catholic High School and then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Omaha. 

Patty first taught at Assumption before joining Sts. Peter and Paul (SPP), where she has spent the last 35 years shaping the lives of countless students. Throughout this time, she has brought joy, wisdom and faith into her classroom. 

One specific element that she said students enjoyed about her classroom was her “snow doll.” It was a beloved winter tradition when the forecast predicted snow. Students (and even fellow teachers) rubbed the doll’s head in hopes of a snow day closure. These small and memorable moments are the perfect example of the warmth and camaraderie that Patty cultivated during her time at SPP.

Teaching for Patty is all about these moments—much more than academics. “Catholic education is important to me. I never considered teaching anywhere except in a Catholic school,” she says.

“I love being able to mention God in any subject, praying together as a class and school and sharing my Catholic values with my students. Not only does Catholic education provide students with a strong academic foundation, but it helps strengthen moral virtues and helps students grow in their relationship with God.”

Her Next Phase

As she prepares for retirement, Patty looks forward to tackling long-awaited home projects and taking a fall vacation—her first ever. Though she is leaving the classroom, her legacy will remain in the countless lives she has touched, in the faith she has nurtured and in the community that she has helped build.

When a student recently asked her why she was retiring, she told him she has been going to school for 60 years! First as a student, then as a teacher. Patty said after that, the student agreed, she deserves it! 

Mrs. Rezek, thank you for your dedication, your wisdom and the love you have shared with the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic community. Your impact on Catholic education will be felt for generations to come.