Patricia “Patty” Ann (Berggren) Kanel, 71, of rural Humboldt was born on December 29, 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska to Robert and Ann (Carten) Berggren. She attended elementary school in Ashland, Nebraska until age 12, when her family moved to Wahoo. They lived in Wahoo for 2 years, before moving to Stromsburg in 1968. Their final move took her to Humboldt, where she graduated from Humboldt High in 1973. It was in Humboldt where Patty met and fell in love with the love of her life, Jay Kanel. After high school graduation, Patty continued her education and became a nurse. She worked in hospitals, but her passion was working at the nursing home, with the elderly. Her kindness, patience and love made her the perfect nurse.

Jay and Patty were married on March 13, 1976, and three children, Jayson Robert, Michael John, and Kelly Ann were born in this union. Once Patty became a mom, she retired from nursing and became a farmhouse wife. Once the children were all in school, Patty started working outside the home. She helped in the office at the Humboldt Sale Barn on sale day, worked at Hamilton's pharmacy, and later started painting and decorating houses. Once she retired from painting houses, Patty began working at Needles I in Auburn, which led to her new love of quilting. She also helped Jay on the farm, but her absolute love was her kids. Patty was a member of the United Methodist Church and served as a Trustee of the Church, and other various organizations over the years.

Patricia passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln Nebraska having reached the earthly age of seventy 71 years, 10 months and 22 days. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ann Berggren, niece Lisa Jo Schaardt, brother-in-law Jack McNealy, father-in-law John Kanel, mother-in-law Ida Kanel Gilbert and step-father-in-law Kenny Gilbert.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Jay Kanel of Humboldt, children: Jayson Kanel of Humboldt, Michael Kanel and wife Kari of Humboldt, Kelly Shupp and husband Jed of Humboldt, her father, Robert “Bob” Berggren of Humboldt, grandchildren: Kassidy Jo, Morgan Marie, and Blaine Michael Kanel; William Joe and Emma Jayde Shupp, all of Humboldt, her sister Barb O’Connor and husband Jack of Blaine, KS; brother-in- law Duaine Kanel and wife Kathy of Humboldt, sister-in-law Linda McNealy of Humboldt, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at United Methodist Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Harum Gatobu and Dorothy Smith officiating.  Interment will immediately follow service at the Four-Mile Cemetery south of Humboldt.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Wherry Mortuary 207 Nemaha street in Humboldt, Nebraska.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 Nemaha St-Humboldt, NE