Patricia House

Patricia Marie (Schueler) House, age 70, passed away at home on May 17, 2021, with her family at her side. Famous for wearing her “rugs” as she was always cold, Patricia was outside in the bright sunlight of a warm spring day when she passed.

Born in Winona on October 16, 1950, to Robert Franklin Schueler, Jr. and Lyla Marie (Peterson) Schueler, Patricia was the youngest of six children.

Patricia was a lifelong resident of Winona. She was baptized, confirmed, and attended St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

She married Gary House on November 23, 1968, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Gary; two children: a daughter, Angela House (husband Greg Salzer) of Minnesota City, a son: Jeremy House (Lindsey Holder) of Winona; one grandchild, Arilah House, who was the apple of her eye; sister: Carol (late Jim) Christopherson, Winona; brother: James “Jim – Bo Peep” (Clarice) Schueler, Winona; brother-in-law: Bill Armstrong, Winona; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: John D. Schueler, and Robert “Bob – Porkie” Schueler, III; and a sister: Bonnie Armstrong.

After over thirty years, Patricia retired from Watlow Controls in 2009 to help care for her granddaughter, Arilah. Before she retired, she was known for her “not so subtle facial expressions” at work, which often got her in trouble.

Patricia had an affinity for using bleach, having a close relationship with the Hilex company. Their relationship was marked by splotches of white on otherwise colored clothing and on turning black garments to brown.

She enjoyed going to “The Boat” or “TI” with her sister, Carol. With her winnings from the Wizard of Oz slots, she bought Ozzie, a colorful Shih Tzu, for her husband Gary.

Patricia was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She was an awesome cook and her delicious pumpkin pies were often fought after. She soon learned that she had to make one pie for each family member to keep the peace on holidays.  She could sure whip up one hell of a ghetto hot dish from anything found in the cupboards.  One thing she never made, however, was “Scharmach Soup” as the deer along highway 61 had full bellies as it was.

Patricia’s creativity was over the top. Over the years, she re-upholstered furniture (including many couches, chairs, boat seats), and made cushions and tarps for boats, once she found her “handy tack hammer” that was often missing from the kitchen junk drawer.  As granddaughter Arilah grew up, she received many of her own “rugs”, made with love by Grandma.  Patricia was also known for her craftiness, especially her sets of Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, made of white fluff that were sold throughout the years.

Funeral services will be held privately for her family, with the Reverend Richard A. Moore of St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Patricia’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.