Patricia Schmidtbauer

Patricia Jane Jankowsky, daughter of Edwin and Jane (Huset) Jankowsky, was born July 31, 1944 at Eau Claire, WI. As a child, Pat’s family moved often due to her dad’s work as a salesman, so she lived in a variety of locations while growing up. Eventually her family settled in St. Cloud, MN, where Pat graduated from St. Cloud Tech High School in 1963. She then attended the Institute of Medical Technique in Minneapolis, graduating in 1965. On January 28, 1967, Pat was united in marriage to Leon “Lee” Schmidtbauer at Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Roseau, MN. In 1968, Lee was drafted into the military and following his basic training, the couple moved to Oklahoma where Lee was stationed. When Lee was sent to Korea, Pat and their daughter, Lorie, went to live with parents. While Lee was overseas, their second child, Scott was born. After Lee’s discharge, the family returned to Roseau, where their third child, Mark was born. In 1974, they moved to Apple Valley for Lee’s work, which again moved them to Dallas, WI in 1979. In 1984, they returned to Apple Valley for a short time until moving to Staples in 1986. In 1995, they settled in Alexandria, where they have continued to live since that time.

No matter where they were living, Pat always found pleasure in raising her flowers and then arranging them into beautiful bouquets. Other things that Pat also enjoyed included traveling and sight-seeing with Lee, and even the occasional fishing trip. One highlight for Pat each year was getting to dress up as Mrs. Santa Claus and bring joy to countless children. More than anything, Pat loved to spend time with her beloved family, especially if it meant time with her grandchildren.

Because of Pat’s struggle with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, she has been a resident of Peaceful Bliss Assisted Living in Alexandria since January 2009. She and Lee have benefited every day from the excellent, heartfelt care that she received by the loving staff since entering that facility, for which they will forever be grateful.

Pat died on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at the Peaceful Bliss Care Center in Alexandria, MN, having lived to reach the age of 66 years.

She is survived by her loving husband, Lee Schmidtbauer of Alexandria; three children: Lorie (Ardyn) Hansen of Alberta, Scott Schmidtbauer of Miltona and Mark (Jacqui) Schmidtbauer of Osakis; six grandchildren: Bethany Hansen, Nicole Hansen, Tyler Schmidtbauer, Hatti Schmidtbauer, Eddie Schmidtbauer and Faith Schmidtbauer; her mother: Jane Jankowsky and one brother, Jim (Kaye) Jankowsky of St. Cloud. She was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Kayden Hansen and her father, Ed Jankowsky.

Pallbearers for the service are Pat’s Caretakers: Dr. Deborah Dittberner, Kendra Lennes, Toni Bartone, Casi Giese, Dayne Bartkowiez and Peggy Renner. Honorary pallbearers are Judy and the entire staff at Peaceful Bliss Care Center. Joan Schueller will serve as organist for the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.