Patricia Lee Schmidt

Patricia L. Schmidt was born on May 27, 1943, to Dell and Ruth (Hartwig) O’Day in Dunlap, Iowa. She began her education at a country school in Grove Township and later attended Dunlap Public School starting in the fifth grade. Pat graduated from Dunlap High School in May of 1961.

Following high school, she worked at Bonsall Appliance in Dunlap before moving to Omaha, where she was employed by Mutual of Omaha.

Pat was united in marriage to Gary Schmidt in Dunlap on June 15, 1963. Two children were born to this union, Brett Delbert and Bart William. In 1965, the couple made their home in Harlan, Iowa, where they became faithful members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

In 1970, Pat began a career with the Harlan Community School District at New Park School. She devoted thirty-four and a half years to the school, retiring in 2005 at the age of 62. Pat had a deep passion for working with children and cherished her time at New Park, where she was surrounded by a caring and wonderful staff. In addition to her work at the school, she was employed by the therapy department at Myrtue Medical Center for seven years and worked at the Shelby County Speedway for twenty-seven years.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Dell and Ruth O’Day; her son, Brett Schmidt; and her three sisters, Peggy, Mary, and Michelle.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Schmidt of Harlan, Iowa; her son, Bart (Allyson) Schmidt of Chattanooga, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Alex, Blake (Rachael), Dylan (Whitney), and Kyle (Laura); three great-grandchildren, Ari, Luca, and Sophie; her brother, Bill O’Day of Dunlap, Iowa; and her beloved companion, her son Brett’s dog, Bella.

Pat’s wishes were to be cremated, her services will take place at a later date.