Obituary of Patricia May Niznick

Niznick, Patricia May (Schluck) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away with her sons by her side on Friday, November 26, 2021 at the age of 77. A private family memorial service will be held at Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church and interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Pat’s friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Pat’s Life gathering at Bloomington Event Center (1114 American Blvd. W., Bloomington, MN 55420) from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. 

Pat was born on May 5, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Frank and Minnie (Cronkhite) Schluck. Pat was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian faith and attended school in Minneapolis. Upon graduation from Roosevelt High School in 1962, she continued her education at The University of Minnesota, where she graduated from The School of Dentistry in 1964. 

On October 16, 1964, Pat and Larry were united in marriage at Riverside Presbyterian Chapel in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They were blessed with 34 years of marriage and three sons. Pat worked as a dental assistant and was a stay-at-home mom while her sons were growing up. She was an administrative assistant at Fort Snelling, the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Pat appreciated her work for the Federal Government, especially the many paid holidays. She enjoyed working with her coworkers and remained friends with many after her retirement in 2008. Upon retirement, Pat did more traveling, including trips with her brothers and sisters-in-law and visiting friends in other states. She spent many enjoyable winters in the warmer weather of Florida.

Pat was a faithful member of the Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church community for many years. She enjoyed her Sundays of greeting and looked forward to the Ham and Cherry Pie dinner every year. She formed many lifelong friendships at the church and we are grateful for the many years of support, love, and care they gave Pat.

One of Pat’s greatest joys was spending time with family and friends. She adored having her sons, their friends, nieces and nephews, family friends, and eventually her own grandchildren over to swim in the backyard pool. She enjoyed hosting family events and holidays in her home. Pat could also frequently be found in the stands cheering on her sons and grandchildren at their sporting events or activities. She would show up to cheer them on, no matter the season. 

Pat was an avid card player and she could be found surrounded by her friends and playing cards, almost any day of the week. Winning was fun, but her time spent conversing with friends was the real reward and this provided her with great joy. We are forever grateful for the care and love that Pat’s friends shared with her. Pat will be dearly missed.

Pat is survived by her children, Doug (Jess) Niznick of Burnsville, Scott Niznick of Minneapolis, Tim (Krysta) Niznick of Minneapolis; four grandchildren, Connor, Tyler, Brayden, and Hannah; brothers, Warren (Marlys) Schluck of Cambridge, Jim (Claudette) Schluck of Chanhassen; sister-in-law, Kathy Harvet of Blaine; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; and her parents, Frank and Minnie Schluck.