Patricia B. (Schommer) Capek, March 8, 1939 – August 12, 2021.
Patricia Barbara Capek, 82, formerly of Winona, Minn., passed away August 12, 2021, at Cottagewood Senior Communities of Rochester, Minn.
Pat was born on March 8, 1939, in Medina, Minn., to Edward and Gertrude (Mergen) Schommer, and grew up on the family farm in the Medina/Wayzata area. Pat graduated from Saint Francis High School in Little Falls, Minn., in 1957, graduated from Marquette University in 1961, and attained her master’s degree and ABD from the University of Minnesota in 1977.
Following graduation from Marquette, Pat married Michael J. Capek, of River Forest, Ill., and lived in Wisconsin for several years before divorcing and returning to Minnesota. Following graduation from the University of Minnesota, Pat worked in educational administration and program development at Lakewood Community College in White Bear Lake, Minn., and at Austin Technical Institute in Austin, Minn.
From 1988-2004, Pat worked in the libraries of the Preston-Fountain/Fillmore Central public school system. She retired in 2004 and spent much time gardening, cat-fostering, and observing nature from her 100+ -year-old house in the midst of a wildlife sanctuary outside Chatfield, Minn. She moved to her final permanent residence in Winona, Minn., in 2009, where she was a member of St. Casimir’s parish, an active supporter of the Winona Catholic Worker community, and a volunteer at St. Anne’s.
Pat is survived by her children Charles (Kate) Capek of Schererville, Ind., and Edward (Molly) Capek of Winona, Minn.; her sisters Kathleen Mulhern of Wykoff, Minn., Barbara Engel of St. Paul, Minn., and Sr. Trudy Schommer, OSF, of Little Falls, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends and special friend Bob Wolf. She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Getrude Schommer, and her brother Edward H. Schommer.
A mass celebrating her life will be held August 25 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona, Minn., at 11 a.m., with visitation at 10 and a lunch following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Winona Catholic Worker House are greatly appreciated
Mimi Seamens says
Dear Pat,
We are sad to hear of your passing. You were a valued Library Board Member and Friend to the Chatfield Public Library. We had not seen you as much once you moved to Winona, but you remained in our thoughts. You are greatly missed.
We will give a gift of money to the Chatfield Public Library in your memory.
RIP Pat