Patricia Schreiber

Patricia "Patty" Faith (Bemis) Schreiber, age 78, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 18th, 2017 after emergency surgery. She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 3, 1939 in Sheboygan to the late Francis "Pete" and Grace Bemis. Patty was a lifelong resident of Sheboygan, attended Central High School and continued her education at Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY. She then attended U.W. Madison, eventually earning her bachelor degree in education from Marquette University doing it all in four years. Following graduation, she married the love of her life, Jim Schreiber on July 8th, 1961. Prior to starting a family, she was a 3rd grade teacher in Milwaukee. In 1963, the family moved back to Sheboygan where she and Jim raised their 5 children. Family was the most important aspect of her life. Leading by example, her family grew to include 16 grandchildren who quickly conquered her heart. She passed on her love of Elkhart Lake, love of the seasons, dedication to hard work, and the need for lots of play. Winter family trips to Montreal instilled the love of the outdoors and skiing which are still enjoyed today. In summer, the cottage on Elkhart Lake became the epicenter of the family where traditions of Sunday family dinners, lunch on the end of the pier, and front porch conversations were shared. Grandkids promptly arrived at 10:00am every morning and didn't leave until sunset. She lived true to her motto, "Mimi is the name and spoiling is the game!" She loved her grandkids as much as they love her.
Patty was very active in her church and community. Girl Scouting was close to her heart. Starting as a Brownie herself, she eventually became a Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader, and was currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of Manitou Council since 1975. Girl Scout CEO, Denise Schemenauer, credits Patty for her instrumental influence on building projects, stating, "She was a key member of every single building project during her tenure. Most especially the Crystal Lake House and the Cedars building projects. Additionally, the Grace Carlson Bemis Welcome Center at Camp Evelyn is named for Patty's mother."
Faith was important to Patty. She was a very active member with St. Clement Catholic Church and school. She served as a volunteer wherever she was needed, including helping in the classrooms, serving on the School Board, being a member of the Altar Society, and serving as a Lector, and Eucharistic Minister. Patty also served on the board of Rainbow Kids for many years since its beginning in Sheboygan. She also was a member of the Sheboygan Service Club for 11 years, served as President, and is a lifelong member. Her hobbies included needlepoint, bridge club, garden club and travel. Patty and Jim went on many special trips with family and friends, her favorites being Africa and Santorini. Patty was Jim's solid rock and support for close to 56 years, to him she was a queen.
Patty is survived by her loving husband, Jim Schreiber; 5 children: Lisa (Chris) Lohmann of Boulder, CO; Mary (Michael) Sellinger of Shorewood, WI; Jim (Lisa) Schreiber of Greenwood Village, CO; Steve (Anne) Schreiber of Denver, CO; Tom (Robin) Schreiber of College Grove, TN; 16 grandchildren: Ian and Tia Crocker; Madi and Gwen Lohmann; Elli, Brigitte, and Riley Sellinger; Ben, Lucy, and Nick Schreiber; Isabel, Olivan, and Amelia Schreiber; Eva, Catherine, and TC Schreiber. Further survived by siblings: Richard (Kris) Bemis, Mary Louise "Lulu" (Joel) Lubbers, step-brother, Steven (Katy) Larson, and step-sister Linda Ottensman.
Preceded in death by her parents, step-mother, Josephine (Larson) Bemis, her sister, Cathy Stayer, her brother, Peter Bemis, step-sister, Sarah (nee Larson) Mabey, and step-brother-in-law, Tom Ottensman.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Ballhorn Chapels Funeral and Cremation Care Center, 1201 N. 8th St, Sheboygan, on Thursday, June 22, 2017 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Additional visitation will take place at St. Clement Catholic Church, 522 New York Ave, Sheboygan, on Friday, June 23, 2017 from 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. with Fr. Matthew Widder presiding. Patty will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.
For those considering memorial gifts, the family suggests charitable donations to Girl Scouts of Manitou Council, St. Clement Catholic Church, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
The family would like to thank the ICU nurses and physicians at St. Nicholas and Froedtert Hospitals.