Patricia Ann Schoenfelder Meers, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away September 18, 2026 at The Willow in Wathena, KS. Pat was born on January 20, 1938, in her family home in Troy, Kansas, to Francis and Elizabeth
Schoenfelder.
On November 22, 1958, Pat married the love of her life, Charles R. Meers, at St. Charles
Catholic Church in Troy, Kansas. Together they built a beautiful life centered around family, faith, friendship, and countless treasured memories.
Pat and Charlie were blessed with four children: Ronald (Terri) of The Villages, FL; Donald
(Cindi) of St. Joseph, Randal (Nancy) of Wathena; and Cindy (Curtis) Richardson of St. Joseph. Her family was the greatest joy of her life and she took immense pride in each of them. She leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Rhiannon Meers, Abbie Meers, Sydney Meers, Whitney Meers, Jake (Baylee) Meers, Anna (Jake) Anderson, and Claire Richardson, along with five great-grandchildren who brought her immeasurable happiness. Three brothers remain of her siblings: Larry (Donna) Schoenfelder; Junior (Donna) Schoenfelder, and Dewayne (Mona) Schoenfelder. She was blessed by many special nieces and nephews who always took time for personal visits.
After graduating from Troy High School in 1955 and Gard’s Business University in St. Joseph, Pat moved to Denver, Colorado for a short time before returning home to Kansas to begin her life with Charlie.
Pat devoted the majority of her life to her family as a loving homemaker and stay-at-home
mother. She was the heart of her home, giving generously of herself and supporting her
husband and children in every way imaginable. Her family always knew they could count on her love, strength, and unwavering support.
Pat and Charlie shared a wonderful life filled with adventure. Before Charlie’s passing in 2020, the two traveled to all fifty states, exploring the beauty of their country together, as well as traveling abroad. They especially enjoyed boating, spending many happy days on the Missouri River. Through their time on the water, they formed deep and lasting friendships with people who became an important part of their lives. Those friendships, like so many of Pat and Charlie’s memories, remained dear to her throughout the years. Pat’s faith was an important part of her life. She was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Wathena and served as a member of the St. Ann Alter Society.
In addition to her beloved husband, Charlie, Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Elizabeth Schoenfelder; her brothers, LaMonte and Francis “Bud” Schoenfelder; and her sisters, Betty Lou Schoenfelder and Edna Miller.
Pat’s greatest legacy was not found in the places she traveled or the businesses she helped
build, but in the love she gave her family. She was a woman who found meaning in the simple, precious things - raising her children, sharing time with Charlie, watching her family grow, gathering with friends, and making memories that would last a lifetime.
To her children, she was a steady source of love and encouragement. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was a treasured grandmother whose love will continue to be felt in the stories they share and the memories they hold close. And to those who knew her as a friend, she was someone whose presence made life a little warmer and whose friendship was meant to be cherished. Pat will be greatly missed, but she will never be forgotten. Her love lives on in her family, her friendships, and the beautiful memories she leaves behind. Her life was a gift, her love was a blessing, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wathena or the St. Joseph YMCA, where Charlie and Pat spent many mornings exercising, visiting, and
enjoying the companionship of dear friends.
Services are set for Monday, September 21 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A visitation will be held 9:30-10:30am, with the funeral mass beginning at 10:30 and burial to follow at Mount Calvary in Wathena.
Friends may call after 12 noon – 5 P.M. Sunday, at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.
www.harmanrohde.com