Patricia "Patti" Louise (Evans) Sortino

The family moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1936, then to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1944 to be near family and the promise of work. After returning to Omaha and attending school there, Patti was featured on a televised weekly broadcast as a singer with a local big band orchestra. After graduating, Patti moved to Los Angeles to launch her music career. It was a tough industry and eventually Patti returned to Omaha and married Michael Wisbon in 1957. Their son Jack was born in 1958.

Patti always worked and had many interesting jobs in her life including United Air Lines, Cargill, J.B. Hudson, Sinnett Builders, and Santangelo Law Offices. She loved working every day and retired at 88 years old. The highlight of her career began in 1969 when the Jack Evans Trio was formed with her brother Jack, and sister Linda. The Trio were well known favorites at The Holiday Inn chain and other nightclubs, including the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. Traveling with the Ag Division of Eli Lily Corporation the Trio visited many states as well as a series of performances in Spain. Working with the Trio for 16 years was an exciting life for Patti but a strain on a marriage. Patti was divorced in 1982. Back in Omaha, Patti and her family opened a restaurant of their own in west Omaha to perform and serve customers, their friends and family.

Patti married Anthony Sortino in 1983. After her father passed away, they moved to Long Lake, Minnesota to live and manage a thoroughbred horse farm. They owned a race horse named after her father “Wild Bill.” Patti embraced commuting to downtown Minneapolis to work in a beautiful jewelry store. Missing her young grandchildren in Fort Collins, they relocated to Colorado in 1995. Patti worked for Santangelo Law Offices and remained a dedicated associate until she retired at 88 years old. Patti joined the church choir and looked forward to Wednesday night practices with the chance to see her wonderful friends and sing songs of worship for Sunday services. She volunteered at the Murphy Center serving bag lunches and sorting clothes for the unhoused.

As soon as she was settled in Fort Collins, Patti attended every game, school activity, and performance and was always recognized as the kids’ grandma. She became a widow in 2014 but managed to keep up her house on her own with help mowing and shoveling from kind neighbors. She continued to show up (as recently as June 19) in the front row at many fun events and live music performances. Patti was delighted to be greeted and hugged by so many people who knew her.

In March 2020 she lost her son to brain cancer and was devastated. With the support of her family, the Scriptures, and her faith in the Lord, she continued to live but always felt the loss. She moved into an apartment at Parkwood Senior Living Community in December 2025 where she made new friends with residents and the staff. She loved the companionship of her little dog, Rex. Her health declined as a result of cancer but she kept a sunny personality and smile for many months. Patti was a strong person and fiercely independent throughout her long life. She welcomed the comfort of Pathways Hospice care in April. She cherished the visits from the Hospice staff and close friends from church. Patti was uplifted by keeping in touch with her family in Nebraska, Arizona, California, and Washington and overjoyed when they could travel to see her. She was moved to Pathways Hospice Inpatient Care Center on the night of July 31. She was alert and able to talk with and hug each one of her family who were with her. Patti was not alone as she slept deeply and died peacefully early in the morning of August 4, 2026.

Patti is survived by her brother Jack (Carolyn) Evans; her sister Linda (Gaylen) Bratka; brother-in-law Gerry Hammack; nieces and nephew, Connie (Randy)Buckner, Karen (Ken) Pries, Cindy (GB) Kahoutek, Marci (Doug Campbell) Gionet, Randy Hammack, Jodi (Mike) Berck, Jami (Derek) Ewer, Jill Bratka; daughter-in-law, Sue Wisbon; grandchildren, Dave (Becki) Wisbon, Katie (George) Munoz; and great-grandchildren Everett, Ruby, Rae, Dillan, Spencer (Kiery).

Preceded in death by her parents Bill and Billie Evans; sisters Fran Hammack, Janet (Richard) Rau; nieces and nephews, Kathy Rau Davis, Tuck Gionet, Terri Evans Parsons, Bill Evans; husband Anthony Sortino; and son Jack Wisbon.

Patti's life will be remembered and celebrated with a Memorial Service at OUR SAVIOUR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2000 S. LEMAY AVE. FORT COLLINS, CO 80525

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 AT 11:00 AM. Followed by a cookie reception. Memorial gifts may be given to the OSLC Music program in honor of Patti's love for music.