Patricia passed away on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at her home in Fargo, at Touchmark.
Patricia Ann Scheel was born June 30, 1922, in Moorhead, MN, the daughter of Fred M. and Mabel (Benedict) Scheel.
Patricia, known as Patty until married, lived in Sabin, MN, until the age of four, when the family moved to Moorhead, where she lived until her marriage. Patty graduated from Moorhead High School in 1940. From there she went onto NDSU, where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, the Spectator’s Publishing Board, and President of her Senior Class.
She taught school for four years in Aneta, ND, until marrying Thomas U. Crary of Fargo, in August of 1948. They were married in St. Anthony of Padua Church, and started their life together in Devils Lake, ND, where Tom worked for his family’s Insurance Agency.
Tom and Pat lived in Devils Lake for 48 years and raised six great children there. Pat was active in church, community, education, and cultural groups, in addition to all of her children’s activities. She was also a state officer for AAUW and served two terms on the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
Leaving many friends behind, Pat and Tom moved to Fargo in 1996. There, they enjoyed the company of their family and renewed old friendships. Pat also renewed her membership in P.E.O. and joined chapter AU in Fargo, Fine Arts Club, Seton Study Club, and several bridge groups. Pat also became an Oblate of Assumption Abbey in Richardson, ND. She had wanted to be a part of the Abbey for many years, so this meant a great deal to her.
She is survived by her six children: Katharine (Ross) Johnson of Fargo; Thomas II (Annie) Crary of St George, UT; Lisa (Robert) Brooks of Lake Lida, MN; Charles (Bethann) Crary of West Fargo; Nancy (Brad) Friesen of Fargo; and Margaret Benedict Crary of Chicago, IL. She also leaves behind a brother, Charles (Francie) Scheel of Wideby Island, WA; 18 beloved grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her parents, Fred M. and Mabel Scheel; her brothers – James, Frederick and Robert; and her sister, Kay Scheel Norem; as well as all of her Benedict aunts and uncles who lovingly helped Patty grow up.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fargo, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devils Lakes, Assumption Abbey in Richardson, God’s Child, or Friends of Chimbote.
Funeral mass will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fargo – with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. A Prayer service will be 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo – with visitation beginning at 6 p.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross North Cemetery in Fargo
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. To sign the online guestbook, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
