Pat Schraufnagel

Pat Schraufnagel, 76, Colby, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. He was born September 16, 1947, in Marshfield, son of Cletus and Anna Marie Schraufnagel. He was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was baptized, confirmed and married.

As a child, Pat was the third of six children, growing up on the family farm. Prior to his farming days, he worked at J.I. Case in Rockford, Ill., and at PCA in Colby. He started farming with his dad in 1970 and eventually took over the farm in 1981. He retired in 2013 after 43 years of farming.

On the very cold day of December 30, 1967, he married the love of his life, Sharon Underwood. From there they raised six children that filled their home with love, laughter, good times and unforgettable memories.

He looked forward to holidays and all family get-togethers. He lived by the motto “Work hard, play hard.” He has been a lifelong snowmobiler, being an active member and groomer with two different snowmobile clubs for forty-five years. He played pool for several years on two different leagues and enjoyed playing cards. He also enjoyed going on day trips on his side by side and longer trips on his Harley with his wife and friends, seeing over 35 different states during their travels. Pat was an enthusiastic fan of the Packers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He also loved watching the Milwaukee Brewers. In retirement, one of his favorite pastimes was playing dice games with Sharon, and his kids often joked about his hidden horseshoe, which also brought him luck on his occasional casino trip. Pat took pride in all of his grandchildren and loved cheering them on whenever they were participating in sports. Pat is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon; children: Mike (Jill) Schraufnagel, Gary (Kari) Schraufnagel, Travis Schraufnagel and special friend Kayla Wolfe, Gina (Rich) Struble, Jessie (Dave) Decker, and Tyler (Nicolle) Schraufnagel; grandchildren: Hanna (Jason) Bull, Haley Schraufnagel and fiancé Chris Cuomo, Elle Schraufnagel and husband Chris Kiener, Emily (Alex) Buchinger, Anna (John) Laub, Mia Schraufnagel and special friend Ian Staudenmaier, Noah Schraufnagel, Kayla Evert, Reagan Schraufnagel, Madisyn Schraufnagel, Kenadie Schraufnagel, Jordan Schraufnagel and fiancé Jessi Drake, Jack Struble, Camryn Struble, Grace Struble, Faith Struble, Brody Decker, Lydia Decker and Lainey Schraufnagel., and three great-grandchildren: Benjamin and Madelyn Buchinger and Grayson Laub. He is also survived by one brother, Terry (Faye) Schraufnagel, and three sisters: Carol (Steve) Luther, Mary (Rod) Umlauft, and Joan (Gene) Peissig. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Dennis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be designated to an organization that was important to Pat.

Visitation will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby from 10 a.m.-noon on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, with a service to follow. Please join the family to celebrate Pat’s life at the Colby Lion’s Shelter following the service for “one more, gotta go.”

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

Paid obituary 157375