Patricia Marie Schroeckenthaler

Patricia Marie Schroeckenthaler (née Donovan/Pichler), of Pewaukee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Kirkland Crossings. She was born on March 23, 1940, to the late Marie and Thomas Donovan and was raised on the family farm in Lyndon Station, Wisconsin, alongside her 9 siblings. Her Catholic faith and love of family were foundations throughout her life, shaping the way she cared for others, served her community, and welcomed people into her heart and home.

Patricia is survived by her sisters and brother, Judy (Jim) Hall, Ruth (Marty) Mielke, Sharon (Don) Orth, and Joe (Ruby) Donovan. She was preceded in death by her sisters Rita (Don) Madden and Kathleen (Al) Kobylski, and her brothers Tom Donovan, Jackie (Mary) Donovan, and Tim Donovan. Patricia treasured the bonds of her large family and carried the memories of those who came before her throughout her life.

In 1960, Patricia met James Donald Pichler at a church outing in Milwaukee. Their meeting began a new chapter in her life, and they were married in 1962. During their nine years together, Jim worked in homebuilding and construction while Patricia helped with painting and cleaning and devoted herself to raising their two sons, James John (Julie) of Appleton and Mark Allen (Debbie) of Waukesha.

Their young family shared a life grounded in faith, family, and service. Patricia, Jim, and the boys became involved in church activities at St. Mary’s in Hales Corners, volunteering their time by baking, cooking, and helping with activities for seniors. Patricia found joy in serving others, and her faith was often expressed not in words, but in the kindness and generosity she showed to those around her.

Tragedy came in late 1970, when Jim died suddenly. Patricia was left to raise her two young sons, and with strength, faith, and the love of family and friends, she carried on. Her Catholic faith gave her a source of comfort and hope through difficult times, and she continued to place her trust in God as she guided her family forward

In 1978, Patricia met Ronald Schroeckenthaler, and they were married in 1979. Ron brought three children from his marriage to his late wife, Marie, who passed away in 1976: Steve (Ellen) of Florida, Jerry (Karen) of Florida, and Meri (Jim) Foster of Hubertus. Patricia welcomed Ron and his family into her life, and together they created a loving blended family filled with shared traditions, celebrations, and countless memories.

Patricia and Ron also enjoyed many adventures together, traveling to Hawaii, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Alaska, and numerous countries throughout Europe. Their years together were filled with laughter, discovery, family, and faith. They were active members of St. Anthony’s on the Lake Catholic Church, where Patricia continued to find fellowship and strength in her faith community. They shared almost 35 wonderful years together until Ron passed away on March 29, 2013.

Even after Ron’s passing, Patricia remained devoted to her faith and her community. She was blessed to have people volunteer their time so she could to be active at St. Anthony’s and volunteered at nursing home activities, always finding ways to bring comfort, companionship, and a little joy to others. She had a generous heart and a gift for making people feel cared for.

Patricia was also known for the love she expressed through her kitchen. She delighted in baking and sharing her famous cheesecake and chocolate éclair torte, which became treasured favorites at family gatherings. For Patricia, food was more than something to enjoy—it was one of the ways she showed love. Her table was a place where family gathered, stories were shared, and memories were made.

Family remained at the center of Patricia’s life. On the Pichler side, she was preceded in death by her grandson Ryan, and is survived by her grandchildren Michael (Jenna) and Lauren, along with five great-grandchildren.

On the Schroeckenthaler side, she is survived by eight grandchildren: Alan (Dawn), Eric (Michelle), Melissa (Jeff) Froh, Sarah, Margaret (Andy) Voit, Mitch (Katie) Lawrence, Matthew (Amanda) Foster, and Joel Foster, along with nine great-grandchildren.

Patricia will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, wife, and friend. She gave generously of herself, remained faithful through life’s joys and sorrows, and found happiness in family, friendship, service, travel, church, and the simple pleasure of sharing something she had baked with someone she loved.

Her family will miss her warm smile, her stories, her sense of family, and, of course, her special desserts. They will carry forward the traditions she created and the example she gave of living a life rooted in faith, love, and kindness.

As a woman of deep Catholic faith, Patricia found comfort in the promise of eternal life. Her family takes comfort now in the hope that she has been welcomed home to the loving arms of God and reunited with Jim, Ron, and the many loved ones who went before her. May she rest in the peace of Christ, and may perpetual light shine upon her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Patricia’s dear friends, Neil and Lynn Ignarski, St Anthonys on the Lake, and to the compassionate staff at Kirkland Crossings and St. Croix hospice for the kindness, friendship, dignity, and loving care they gave Patricia.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Monday, August 31, at St. Anthony’s on the Lake Catholic Church in Pewaukee-W280N2101 Prospect Avenue, Pewaukee, WI 53072. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Fellowship will follow from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Rite of Committal taking place from 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. St Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery 9520 W Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners, WI 53130.