Patrick N. Schuette

Patrick N. Schuette was born into eternal life on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Pat was 72 years young.

Pat was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin on March 9th, 1951 to Betty and Norbert Schuette. His loving parents instilled in him meaningful principles and values. He is the brother of Mike (Sue) Schuette, the late Kathy (Mark) Steidtman, Dan (Layla) Schuette, and Sue (Brian) Gerhartz. He was raised on the East side of Green Bay and attended St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Pat often reminisced about this carefree time, running out the door on summer mornings, playing with his cousins and friends all day.

Pat graduated from Premontre High School in 1969. He was active in sports and social clubs. He was especially proud of his performances in Oklahoma (1968) and as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls (1969). After high school, Pat went to Marquette University. It was there that he met many of his lifelong friends and built a foundation based on Jesuit values. Pat graduated with a BA/MA in Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy.

Following college, Pat went on an adventure across the country with his friend, George Traut. They traveled coast to coast for an entire year, exploring many states and national parks, and accumulating many stories and tall tales that he told throughout his life. After traveling the country, Pat met and married Cindy Riersgord, a union that resulted in the birth of their precious daughter, Kristin. Shortly after Kristin was born, Cindy sadly and suddenly died, leaving Pat to raise Kristin with the support of his loving family. The two of them were lucky to share a special bond.

Pat found success in Milwaukee as an encyclopedia salesman, Lego sales representative, and even worked for the National Funeral Directors Association. He eventually found his calling as an executive recruiter. In 1986, Pat formed his own company, Sales Associates of America. He was well respected with companies such as Johnsonville, Briggs and Stratton, Mirro, and Viking Corporation. Pat’s true sense of accomplishment was when he was able to better the lives of his candidates.

Pat met the love of his life, Sandy Brass when she walked into his office looking for a career change. She interviewed well, Pat was smitten, and they married in 1987. They built a wonderful life together in Brookfield that included two more beautiful children: David and Lauren. Pat’s family was truly the most important thing in his life. Some of their most cherished memories included summers in Eagle River, golfing, traveling, boating, holidays with family, and spending time at their condominium in Florida. In addition, Pat enjoyed the simpler things in life: family bike rides, building campfires, baking pies, harvesting his garden to make fresh salsa, and coaching his children’s sports teams.

Pat had a love of sports including Marquette basketball, the Milwaukee Brewers, and held season tickets to his beloved Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed fishing. Every year before opening day, Pat looked forward to playing Sheepshead with his cousins and friends. They would play late into the night before rising early to find the “secret spot” on the river. While they didn’t always make the big haul, they did always have a blast.

Later in life, Pat’s happiest moments were spent with his grandchildren, Emmy and Eloise. Papa was their number one fan; he played imagination games endlessly, and even wrote a novel based on the characters they created together.

Pat is further survived by son-in-law Jon Shane; nieces and nephews Nick Schuette, Nathan Schuette, Elizabeth Schuette, Jake Gerhartz, Chris (Alicia) Mohr, and Mackenzie (Ben) Halpin; sisters-in-law Mary Brass (the late Tom Brass) and Deb Halpin; and brothers-in-law Tim Brass and Michael Halpin.

As a husband, father, uncle, and grandfather, and friend, Pat was an exemplary role model. He taught the values of hard work, humility, faith, and grace. Pat’s smile could light up a room, his heart lifted up those around him, and his warmth made everyone feel welcome. His eternal optimism and love for life will be passed on as his legacy.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Amy Malik at UW Health for her exemplary care for Pat during his course of treatment.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home on Sunday, October 15th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Vigil at 5:00 PM. An Irish toast and refreshments to follow. Mass at St. Dominic’s church at 18255 West Capitol Drive at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 16th. Burial at Allouez Catholic Cemetery 2121 Riverside Drive in Green Bay.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Vincent De Paul or the American Lung Association in memory of Patrick N. Schuette.