Roll Call Tribute

Joanna Orsak Pate
September 11, 1968 - May 23, 2021

Joanna Gayle was born September 11, 1968, Wharton, Texas to Charles and Kay Orsak. She passed away May 23rd, 2021 in Lufkin, Texas. 

Joanna grew up in El Campo, Texas where she graduated from El Campo High School in 1987. Following high school she attended Texas A&M University where she graduated with a degree in Community Health in 1991. During her time at A&M, She mate and later married Johnnie Pate in 1992. The couple would relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada where they raised their five beautiful children who Joanna loved and cherished more than anything. 

In 2015, Joanna moved back to Texas and worked in home health. Joanna had a passion for running and fitness, evident by the number of plaques and medals she received. One could often find her walking with her constant companion Cali, her little god who essentially was her sixth child. 

There was never a dull moment when you were in her company. If you knew Joanna, you knew she was the life of the party and had a unique sense of humor. She loved to laugh and enjoyed making others laugh as well. 

Left to honor Joanna's memory are Charlie and Kay Orsak of Zavalla, Texas; Shelby Pate and fiancé, Brett Tambakis of LAs Vegas, Nevada; McKenna Pate of Willis, Texas; Noah Pate and wife Kayleigh of Las Vegas, Nevada; Cade Pate '21 of College Station, Texas and Meg Pate of Las Vegas, Nevada; David and Anne Orsak of Lafayette, Louisiana and Michael Orsak of El Campo, Texas. 

Joanna was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles and Clara Orsak and Harold and Evelyn Mickleson.