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2018
2018
Wahl
The family moved back north in 1969, to Austin, MN, where they founded the Gerard Schools; a residential treatment facility for emotionally disturbed children named after St. Gerard - the patron of motherhood and children. Following Joe's untimely death in 1975, Pat took over as president and ran the company for 11 years. Now called Gerard Academy, the family business is still going strong.
July 14, 19?? - October 15, 2018
PATRICIA LOUSIE WAHL
A bright light was extinguished on earth, October 15, 2018, when Patricia "Pat" Wahl passed into her eternal reward. Pat was born July 14 (she loved to remind people that was also Bastille Day) in Mitchell, SD, to Thomas and Louise (nee Swedensky) Schmida. The oldest of nine children, she was a natural leader and caregiver. She attended Notre Dame Catholic High School in Mitchell SD, where she was active in theater and track.
Following high school, she worked for the Delany Clinic in Mitchell. In 1952 she married James Harold Skelly of Mitchell and, in 1960, the couple adopted son Thomas. Unfortunately, Jim passed away in 1962. Pat and Tom remained in Mitchell until 1966, when she married V. Joseph Endres and the trio moved to Austin, TX. Son Todd was born in 1967.
Pat found love again, marrying Dr. Raymond Wahl of Colorado Springs in 1986. They purchased a home on Polo Drive, which was filled with love and tradition for over three decades. She was known for decorating inside and out for every holiday, simply because she said it makes the home feel happy. Pat and Ray celebrated their 32nd anniversary on Oct. 11th.
The word used most often to describe Pat was "strong." She was strong in spirit and faith, ferociously protective of family, generous of heart, colorful, creative, intuitive, wise, and endearingly stubborn.
She was beautiful in both appearance and disposition. Everyone who met her was lifted by her positive nature. Though she humbly disagreed with the title, she was referred to as the matriarch of the Schmida clan.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, husbands James Skelly and Joseph Endres, daughter Keri Terese Endres, and sister Sharon (Jim) Murphy. She is survived by her husband Raymond Wahl, sons Thomas Endres and Todd Endres; Ray's children William (Shelli) Wahl, Elizabeth Chaffin, Stephanie (Greg) McIntire, John (Gretchen) Wahl; siblings Kae (Jerry) Pugh, Milton (Patricia) Schmida, Beverly Vearrier, Mary Ann Titus, Larry (Susan) Schmida, Robert (Colleen) Schmida, Steven (Patricia) Schmida; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 23, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1830 S. Corona Ave., Colorado Springs, 80905. Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon reception. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, 1000 S. 26th St., Colorado Springs, 80904.
Flowers should be sent to Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Ave., 80903. Or, the family suggests making a donation in Pat's memory to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
a loved one
October 22, 2018
Ray so sorry for your loss. I know how happy you were to have found Pat in your life so many years ago. It must be very difficult for you. I send my condolences. Peace to you.
Patti Adler (now Chamberlain - my grandmother's name).
Patti Chamberlain
October 21, 2018
Kind thoughts are with your family at this very difficult time of grief. May your fond memories bring you comfort. God's promise at Jeremiah 29:11,12 will give you strength.
October 20, 2018
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Funeral services provided by:
Swan-Law Funeral Directors501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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