Patrick Schleicher, 80, Mandan, was welcomed into the gates of heaven on July 19, 2015 at Sanford Continuing Care Center off Collins in Mandan.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, ND with Rev. Marvin Klemmer as celebrant. Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Mandan VFW Post #707 and American Legion Post #40.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2015 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Weigel Funeral Home, with a CDA Rosary at 5:15 pm followed by a Parish Vigil at 5:30 pm. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
Patrick was born on August 3, 1934 to George and Clara (Volk) Schleicher in Mandan. He was raised and educated in Mandan attending St. Joseph Grade School and graduating from Mandan High School. He married his lifelong love, LaVonne Suchy, who loved and cared for him until he took his last breath. Together they raised their six children, who were the focus of their lives.
Patrick worked from a very young age, beginning with his father on the Northern Pacific Railroad where he was a brakeman. He later spent 7 years at the refinery before initiating his lifelong career in the furniture business; he started working at Conlins Furniture as a salesman before becoming part owner in 1970. He left Conlins and started Schleicher Industries, selling furniture, traveling 4 states which he continued until his retirement. Pat also spent many years establishing businesses in the Mandan community and believed in supporting his hometown. He was a talented athlete often competing in the Prairie Rose Games and loyal countryman, retiring with the National Guard after 21 years of service. He believed in working hard and be well organized. He spent a majority of his free time with his beloved children and grandchildren. He traveled near and far to see them and help them through every endeavor. He was always sure to find a pool wherever he may be to get in his daily lap swimming, which he continued late into his 70’s. He logged more than 5000 miles.
Patrick will be missed for so very many reasons, but his love for his wife and children were beyond all. He was known for his smile and his laugh, and will always be known to most as “Hap”. His journey was honorable, loving and fun. Patrick had great wit and loved to joke and laugh from his days as a clown for the Elks in various parades, to embarrassing his children with his antics.
Patrick will be deeply missed by his wife, LaVonne, Mandan; 6 children, Kathleen (Jeff) Stromstad, Mandan, ND, Kim (Bruce) Peterson, Minot, ND, Patrick Schleicher, Jr., Mandan, ND, Paul (Kim) Schleicher, Mandan, ND, Kris (John) Brashears, Mandan, ND and Kera (Randy) Helderop, Bismarck, ND; 17 grandchildren, Eric (Kari) Stromstad, Anne Stromstad, Erica Oothoudt, Megan (Cale) Fylling, Neal Peterson, Joey Schleicher, Ashley Schleicher, Elizabeth (Tom) Seifert, Christopher (Kaylonnie) Conley, Mitchell (Sommer) Conley, Tyler Conley, Nicholas, Summer & Sarah Helderop, Huston (Kelsey) Brashears, Morgan Brashears and Carmen Brashears ; 9 great-grandchildren, Tanner Oothoudt, Johanna Stromstad, Owen and Asher Fylling, Kadin, Kaleb, Madeline and Trysten Schleicher and George Seifert; sister, Genevieve Peterson and brother Gordon Dietrich along with numerous nieces nephews and friends that loved and will miss him dearly.
Patrick was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Benjamin, Christ, Eugene, Robert Dietrich and his sister, Agnes Braun.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery or Spirit of Life Catholic Church.