Patricia Lucia (Gaugler) Schmitz was born on March 7, 1921 south of New Leipzig on her family homestead near Lone Rock to Henry and Leona (Tracy) Gaugler. She was baptized at The Church of the Holy Family, Stowers, ND on May 29th, 1921. When Pat was a young girl she attended the Selma School near the family home, although she never finished high school she never stopped learning. She was always eager to further her education in many ways, up until her last days. At the age of nine she lost her mother, her and her siblings continued to stay on the farm with their father until she met and married Raymond Schmitz. Pat and Raymond were united in marriage on November 20, 1941 at St. Mary's Immaculate Church near Miner, ND. Soon after they purchased the Johnny Newman homestead south of Elgin near Pretty Rock, where they farmed and ranched. While living on the farm there, they raise seven children, which she always cooked big wonderful meals for. During this time, Pat was a member of the Pretty Rock Homemakers Club where she became educated on first aide, household and life skills. She also enjoyed helping her own and many other children as a 4-H leader for the Lucky Stars 4-H club. Pat served on the Pretty Rock Township election board and as a census taker for many years. In August of 1999, Pat and Raymond moved to Elgin, when Raymond's health was failing, where she resided until her death on February 9, 2017 at her home in Elgin.

During Pat's life she enjoyed doing many things. Some of her favorite things were bowling, painting, quilting, gardening, crocheting, and reading on her Ipad. She also enjoyed playing many games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout the years. While in her 70's she learned to be computer savvy, which allowed her to keep in close contact with many of her family members by using Skype (a virtual phone program). Once the Ipad came out she had to have one, and that then became her line of communication with all of her beloved family. Pat also enjoyed traveling and took many trips with many people. One of her favorite trips was going to Ireland with her sisters Frances and Bernice. Pat and Raymond celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1991 where they started a tradition of Camp Schmitz that was held every other year and continued until 2013. Camp Schmitz was very special and dear to Pat because her whole family and extended family were able to spend several days together having fun and visiting. In 2010 Pat overcame a life changing stroke which took away the use of her right side. This presented many challenges as she was right handed. However, she was such a strong woman that this did not slow her down. Pat continued to live on her own through ups and downs overcoming obstacles up until her last days. Pat was always a mentor and confidant to her grandchildren and many others. Her life meant many things to many people, but most of all she was loved.

Keeping her in their fondest memories are her children, Wayne (Roberta) Schmitz, Elgin; Karen (Rick) Witkowski, Elgin; Gene (Sharon) Schmitz, Culbertson MT; Leann (Brad) Dettmann Spokane WA; Tracy (SuAnn) Schmitz, West Fargo; Holli (Omar) Alladin, Cannon Falls MN; and daughter-in-law Sandra Schmitz (Marvin Kubousek) Sturgis SD; her grandchildren, Sheldon, Shawn (Heather), Tara, Kimberly (Dale), Patrick, Stuart, Michael, Jessica, Garret (Christi), Lindsey, Kayla, Ethan, Nicholas (Jordan), Isabelle, Isaac, and grandson-in-law Joel; 17 great grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Toni Gaugler, Lancaster CA.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Leona Gaugler, husband Raymond Schmitz, son Dennis Schmitz, granddaughter Heather DenBoer, brother Joseph Gaugler, and her five sisters Genevieve Kahl, Frances Schmitz, Bernice DuBois, Kathleen Dawson, and Theresa Welch.

Visitation will be from 1pm to 5pm Tuesday, February 14th, at Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin and Rosary at 8pm at St. Johns Catholic Church in New Leipzig.

Funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 at 11am at St. John's Catholic Church in New Leipzig, ND with Fr. Charles Zins, officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary Immaculate in the Minor community south of Heil, ND.