NEW ULM – Patricia (Pat) Schieffert, age 79 of New Ulm passed away peacefully at her home last week.
Born and raised in Leavenworth, MN, to Rose and George Windschitl, Pat considered herself lucky to grow up in the quiet, peacefulness of a small country town. Pat spent much of her childhood exploring the banks overlooking the Cottonwood River near her home, or speaking with local townspeople about their family ancestries, much of which she documented in the notebook she carried with her wherever she went. Pat’s passion for small town history – and the lives that were affected by it– sparked within her what would eventually become a published historical book about the area where she grew up.
As a mom, Pat was a kid at heart. She loved a good family game of badminton in the backyard. When Monopoly or Rummy 500 were on the evening’s agenda, Pat’s joyful, but competitive spirit emerged with great enthusiasm. She was the mom who walked her children and countless other neighborhood children to and from Washington Park in summer for a quick swim or park play. If there was a line of children waiting at the slide, you could be sure Pat, too, was waiting her turn in line with them. Her penchant for youthful fun returned when she became a grandma to three beautiful granddaughters, Ava, Sienna, and Gabby. Pat treasured the 54 years she was married to her husband, Dave. Pat and
Pat treasured the 54 years she was married to her husband, Dave. Pat and Dave met at a dance – Pat the outgoing, dance ‘til drop kind of girl, and Dad the reserved yet sweet and thoughtful type, hit it off immediately. Together, they nurtured their marriage and family life through church, school, and family vacations. Pat and Dave treasured their cabin on Smith Lake, near Alexandria, MN. A true labor of love, they built their cabin from the ground up, room by room. In their later years, Pat and Dave retreated to their cabin to watch sunsets, listen for the early morning call of the loons, and just enjoy each other’s company. Above all else, Pat loved in the image and likeness of St. Mary, to whom
Above all else, Pat loved in the image and likeness of St. Mary, to whom she held a lifelong devotion. Pat gave of herself daily to family and friends; provided comfort to the sick and dying; visited the lonely; was a friend to the friendless; mended broken hearts; and prayed often for those who needed it. “Well done, my good and faithful servant” exemplifies the life Pat lived. Pat is survived by her two brothers, Donald and Gerald Windschitl, her
Pat is survived by her two brothers, Donald and Gerald Windschitl, her son Paul and his wife Laura; her daughter Lisa and her husband Wayne; her grandchildren, Ava, Sienna, and Gabby; several cousins, nieces and a nephew. Visitation and mass of Christian burial will be private.
Visitation and mass of Christian burial will be private.
To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org
