Patricia L. McGath

Memorial service for Patricia L. McGath, 72, of Aurora , will be 11am Saturday May 14, 2011 at the Loon Lake Community Center with Rev. Adam McGath officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora . Patricia died Sunday May 8, 2011 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth . She was born September 11, 1938 in Rolette , ND to Kenneth and Lulu (Sommerson) Steffen. As a child, Patricia's family moved to Duluth . She graduated from the Central High School in Duluth . In 1956 Patricia was married to Dale McGath Sr. after which she attended the University of Minnesota Duluth recieved a degree in Elementary Education.Taught in Duluth and surrounding areas.Worked at Harcourt Brace and Javonovich. Patrica moved to Aurora in 1975. She worked at the DAC in Eveleth , UDAC , AEOA Career Development Center and Range Mental Health Center in Hibbing and Virginia . For 20 years she managed the Whiteface Campground. She enjoyed trips to casinos, watching gameshows, visiting with friends, and making wreaths for the Christmas festival in Biwabik. For many years she wintered in Mexico , Belize and later Tampa Bay . Survivors include children Terrance McGath of Aurora, Dale (Jackie) McGath of Fridley, Timothy McGath of Virginia, Gladyce (Dale) Shamp of Aurora, Joyce (Kraig) Johnson of Aurora; grandchildren Adam McGath, Erin (Randy) Rheault, Rachael Schmidt, Dale McGath III, Andrea McGath, Holly (Jim) Perslin, James (Cody) Shamp, Amanda Shamp, Wendy (Johnny) Shamp, Bradley Smith, Brandon Smith, Stephanie (Justin) Fernlund, Rob McGath, Danny Golden; numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; sisters Dona (Larry) Steffen, Nancy (David) King, Nellie (Larry) Volkenant, Vivian (Frank) Simone, Judy Linder; great aunt Lorraine Childers. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Charles Steffen, Kenneth Steffen, Lou Shannon, Helen VanKempen; infant daughter Kimberly McGath; lifelong companion Carl Peterson.