Patricia J. Schmollinger, (P.J.)
Patricia J Schmollinger
Known as Patty Jo, PJ, Pat, Grandma Pat, or GP.
Born 04/28/1931 passed peacefully at home with family on 12/23/2020
Patty Jo was born in Creston Iowa to Gweldon and Mildred Hansen. Her father was an accomplished horsemen and her mother was an RN. This is where she got her love of riding and showing horses all over western Iowa and eastern Nebraska showing at Aksarben in Omaha many times. Her love of helping others feel better came naturally and she became an RN.
After Graduating from Bridgewater high school at 16 and a year of junior college she came to Omaha graduating from Methodist College of nursing in 1952
Married Jack W. Schmollinger in 1954 blessed with having four daughters Jacquin, Keli, Barbara and Debra. The family resided in Bellevue Ne. Being a military wife she and the family moved to German in 1960. She enjoyed the local culture and traveling around Germany and the Swiss Alps . From Picnics on the road side, tobogganing down mountains , exploring the castles, cruising the Rhine River, visiting winery’s She embraced it all. She learned the German language and was able to speak and barter with the locals.
Moving back to Omaha she went to work at Methodist Hospital, it was on 36th and Cuming St. Better known as PJ to her work family and friends she helped design and run the first ICU units at Methodist her favorite saying “It just jerks my Jaw” . She was one of the first in the area to learn to read EKG’s and learn CPR. Always thinking of the future and ways to move forward She worked for Methodist from 1962 until she was 63. Not one to sit still for long she became bored and went back to work at IFH in the rehab unit making her mark there as a go getter full of energy and always leaning a helping hand. She was a teacher and Mentor to many new resident doctors and nurses Retiring at the age of 80.
Known as Pat to her neighbors she and the other ladies of the block would gather to talk politics and how to save the world rotating to each other’s front step with a cup of coffee. Being the nurse on the block no need to go to the emergency room “just have Pat look at it” Planning many neighborhood gatherings from working together raking the block in the fall, to fourth of July celebrations to helping each other through tough times and the joys of weddings and births many great memories Always there for each other
She loved cooking. It started while growing up on the farm helping her mother and Aunt Marge make large meals to feed the hired men during harvest time. She continued her love for cooking making incredible meals for her family. Often asked to make salad’s for weddings or other special events. She liked trying new recipes even taking a cooking class with one of her daughters for fun. Everything she made was always from scratch, sometimes without a recipe and nothing was ever store bought. When she made a meal for a family gathering there was always plenty and there were always endless things to chose from! She really was an awesome cook!
She loved to travel from the mountains of Colorado to the Black Hills of South Dakota, and to touring Iowa her home state. She enjoyed going to the Iowa state fair. Making every family trip an adventure and a memory with her daughters . She also had to stop at every historical marker along the way.
She loved nature from gardening flower and vegetables to mountain wild flowers and manicured gardens. Her love for all animals started while growing up on the farm and continuing while living in Omaha feeding the birds and squirrels in her back yard.
A survivor of breast cancer and colon cancer she was one strong and tough lady. Never complaining.
She was life time member of Eastern Star.
She was active in her daughters lives being a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader and school room mother.
She also loved attending her grandchildren’s activities and sporting events.
She was an incredible and amazing Mom, Grandma, and woman! Way ahead of her time. She made it a better place and was someone who truly made a difference while here on this earth!
Survived by daughters Jacquin (Jackie), Keli (Dave),Barbara and Debra . Grandchildren Cory, Sarah, Kurt ,Tony ,Philip ,Wyatt ,Arthur, and Maya. And several great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation Friday (1/8/21) 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary 2727 N 108th Street Omaha, NE. Graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials to Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing. Nebraska Nurses Honor Guard Presenting at 6:30 PM. She loved working at Methodist Hospital during her career in nursing.
Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – 108th Street Chapel
2727 N 108th St – Omaha, NE – 402-496-9000
www.RoederMortuary.com
