Patricia "Pat" Schmitcke

Patricia “Pat” Schmitcke, 81, Bismarck, was called to Heaven on September 27, 2016. Services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, September 30, at Zion Lutheran Church, 413 Avenue D East, Bismarck, with Rev. Thomas R. Marcis Jr. officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Thursday, September 29, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Pat was born April 28, 1935, the youngest of ten children born to Adolph and Lydia (Schaeffer) Helm in Johns Lake Township, Sheridan County, ND. She grew up on the family farm and attended rural schools and McClusky High School. Pat married Harry Schmitcke on May 30, 1954, and they made their home in Bismarck, where they raised their family, exemplifying strong Christian values. She was a devoted mother and homemaker as well as having many jobs outside of the home; including employment at Bismarck Holiday Inn, the Bismarck Hospital, and Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center. At the young age of 44, Pat lost Harry, the love of her life on June 7, 1980. She continued to maintain the family home single handedly with great courage and determination. She lovingly tended her flowers and yard, producing beautiful results. Although battling rheumatoid arthritis, she remained active by volunteering at Medcenter One and also at the YMCA daycare. She particularly enjoyed participating in water aerobics and pilates at the YMCA. Pat is survived by her daughters, Bonita Schmitcke (fiancé, Gordy Johnson), Sandy (John) Gietzen, and Kim Riepl; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Elaine Neff and Laverna Knapp; brother-in-law, Larry Schmitcke; three sisters-in-law, Maryann Schmitcke, Gertie Helm, Janice Helm; as well as many nieces and nephews. Pat was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brothers, Ervin Helm, Ardell Helm and Baldwin Helm; sisters, Alvina Krueger, Olivia Nigrin, Wilma Matheis, and Adeline Hornbacher. We are so blessed to have shared her life and love.