Patricia Schmitz

SPENCER — Patricia “Pat” Schmitz, 68, of Lynch, passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.  

Memorial Services were held Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at the Lynch Community Hall. Reverend Grant H. Graff officiated.

 Brockhaus Funeral Home in Spencer was in charge of the arrangements. 

Patricia Ann “Pat” Derickson was born Nov. 29, 1953, in Atkinson to Lester and Dorothy Derickson. She attended Dorsey Country School in rural Lynch and then Lynch Public School. 

Patricia (Derickson) Swartz was united in marriage to James Joseph Schmitz on Sept. 3, 1987, at Lake Andes, SD.

Pat is survived by her husband of 34 years James of Lynch; daughter Eileen J. Swartz of Lynch, from Pat's former marriage; adopted son Riley (Crystal) Koch of Yankton, SD; four stepchildren from Jim's first marriage Brea, Krissy, Jamie and Ed; 18 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings Janis (Leslie) Purviance of Lynch, David John (Peggie) Derickson of Spencer, and Jerry (Sandra) Thackston of Pierce; many foster children over the years and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Dorothy Derickson; infant sister Virginia Thackston; brother Robert (Melody) Thackston; aunt Virginia Scranton; two nieces Heather Lynn Thackston and Amanda Jo (Thackston) Luken; nephew James Eric Thackston and foster son Travis Lunn.