Pat Schad

Patricia Schad, age 93, of Milbank, SD, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at her home.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, September 3, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday. Reverend Melanie Reiners will officiate, and inurnment will be at Milbank Cemetery at a later date.

Patricia Maureen (Dodds) Schad was born on September 5, 1930, in Minneapolis, MN, to Morris and Arnelda “Nell” (Carlson) Dodds. Patricia’s early family life included living in Ortonville, MN, and Big Stone City, SD, by the lake, graduating from Big Stone City High School.

Patricia was united in marriage with Wayne P. Schad on April 1, 1951, in Milbank, SD.

Patricia’s life was one of resilience and dedication working diligently in various roles such as banking and as a secretary for a law office before becoming a devoted homemaker.

In 1965, Patricia’s life took a different path when she began working alongside her husband, Wayne, at Schad’s Bakery. Together, they poured their hearts into the business until its closure in 1997. Patricia’s strength and unwavering support shone through as she lovingly cared for Wayne until his passing in 2014, being blessed with 63 years of marriage. 

Patricia embraced each moment with gratitude. Her love for nature was evident in her year-round bird garden and enjoyment of seasonal flowers. In earlier years, August was always reserved for rest and relaxation, which included annual vacations, traveling, and camping trips with their growing family. Later, she found solace in watching the sunsets and geese at Lake Farley, especially with Wayne at her side. 

She was a member of Eastern Star and Parkview Methodist Church. Patricia found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She treasured time spent with her family, extended family, friends, and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed puzzles, games, crocheting, bicycling, and writing heartfelt letters to those she cherished. Pat’s playful spirit and warm demeanor touched the lives of all who knew her. 

Her indulgences of sweets were extended to family and friends with the sharing of her homemade fudge, and she always had many choices of candy treats available in the “candy room” in her home.

Left to cherish Patricia’s memory are her six daughters: Rebecca (John) Olsen of Sioux Falls, SD; Karen (Jim) Davis of Milbank, SD Janet (Galen) Zemlicka of Milbank, SD; Jo Keller of Mobridge, SD; Gretchen Schad of Denver, CO; and Jenifer Schad of Prior Lake, MN; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; sister, Kay Christianson of Lake Hendricks, MN; sisters-in-law: Kathy Dodds, and Toni Dodds; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Preceding her in death were her parents; Wayne’s parents: George and Ruth (Finney) Schad; husband, Wayne; brothers: Jim Dodds, Jack Dodds, John Dodds, and David Dodds; sister, Judy Weller; and sister-in-law, Jane LaBeau.

Memorials in Patricia’s name may be made to the Milbank Police Department or the Milbank Fire Department.