Patricia Renee Schulz

Patricia Renee Schulz (Ness), lovingly known at Pat to many and Patty to her family, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at Methodist Hospital after her third courageous battle with cancer. She was 83 years old. Patty grew up in South Minneapolis with three older brothers, a younger sister, and a younger brother. Her formative years were spent in South Minneapolis on Dupont Avenue. During her senior year of high school, the family moved to Texas, where she graduated from Midland High School. When she was 19 years old, she lost her mother, and the family returned to Minnesota. Patty's sister Diane was her best friend for her entire life. They spent countless hours on the phone together, and a typical conversation could last two hours or more. When they were together in person, the first night often resulted in them talking all night long. "Oh, for heaven's sake", "for crying out loud" or "oh kid" were common phrases you would hear. As they each welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they delighted in sharing texts and photos with one another, celebrating the joy and cuteness of their growing families. Patty and Roy were married on November 10, 1978, and shared 47 years of marriage. Together, they loved a blended family of seven children, thirteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. At her core was her faith, which helped carry her through the ups and downs of life. She was a longtime member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Minnetonka, where she taught Sunday School, participated in a church circle, served as a Stephen's Minister, and volunteered in the sacristy. In 2013, after the loss of her daughter, Patty found a grief group where she remained active and deeply connected. The friendships she formed there brought her comfort and were something she truly cherished. Family was central to Patty's life. She joyfully welcomed each new grandchild and great-grandchild and loved celebrating birthdays, holidays, and the many milestones in their lives. For many years, she and Roy hosted gatherings at their home filled with lots of food, lots of family, plenty of noise, and Roy's famous pies. Roy has always been an avid gardener, and together they enjoyed the fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, canning tomatoes and making jam. Roy's green thumb extended beyond food to flowers as well, and Patty regularly enjoyed having beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers in the house to admire and enjoy. Years ago, Patty and Roy took square dancing lessons and enjoyed that time together. They also loved playing cards and spending time with their neighbors from Avondale. While all but one of those neighbors eventually moved out state, they stayed in close contact and continued celebrating birthdays together over the years. A special thank you is extended to Patty's friend Sharon, with whom she shared many years of lunches and friendship. As Patty's health declined, Sharon helped her get to doctor appointments and other activities. Sharon was a blessing not only to Patty, but also to her family. One of Patty's most iconic traits was her laugh, her head thrown back, mouth wide open, and laughter filling the room. Anyone who knew her can immediately picture it. Patty was preceded in death by her parents (Thorby & Evelyn Ness); her daughter (Renee Evans); her brothers (Dale Ness, Robert Ness, and Richard Ness); and her daughter-in-law (Mary Schulz). She is survived by her loving husband Roy Schulz; her children Sherri (Jamie) Thompson, Skip (Shari) Anderson, Patti Schulz (Mike Gottsacker), Sandy (Jerry) Daniels, Vicki Schulz (Pete Paulsen), Todd Schulz, and Craig (Rhonda) Schulz; her grandchildren Nate Thompson (Michael), Bre (Aaron) Taft, Blake Evans, Brooklyn Evans, Bjorn (Megan) Jacobse, Kirsten Jacobse, Whitney Schnabel, Andy Schabel, Brandon (Yixue Zhao) Paulsen, Derek Paulsen, Alyssa (Austin) Saatzer, Alex (Becca) Schulz, Angela Schulz; and nine great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Susan G Komen, BCRF or American Cancer Society.

Tributes

Patricia Renee Schulz

March 3, 1942 - January 28, 2026

Tributes

Patricia Renee Schulz

March 3, 1942 - January 28, 2026

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203