Janet Patten, 72, of Lisbon, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021, surrounded by her family at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City. Private Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 20, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mount Vernon. Burial: St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Lisbon. Visitation: one hour prior to mass at church. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, is caring for Janet and her family.
Friends and extended family are invited to watch the Mass via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Janet's tribute wall and share your support and memories with the family at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
Janet Ann Schmitt was born January 28, 1949, in Holy Cross, Iowa, to Joseph and Lucille (Jaeger) Schmitt. She spent her childhood years on the family farm in Holy Cross, the fourth of five children. She attended Holy Cross Leo Catholic High School, class of 1967. Janet then graduated from St. Luke's Hospital Nursing School in Cedar Rapids, receiving her LPN. She married David Lee Patten on November 20, 1971, in Holy Cross. They resided a few years in Cedar Rapids and eventually moved to Lisbon in 1974 where they raised their three sons.
Janet began her career as a Nurse at St. Luke's Hospital, then eventually became a full-time mother to her three sons, Mark, Randy, and Danny. When her sons were older, Janet worked at the Mechanicsville Care Center as a Nurse and then worked for the United States Postal Service in Mechanicsville.
Janet is survived by her husband of 49 years, David; three sons, Mark (Kim) of Olathe, Kansas, Randy (Sarah Rife Patten) of Mount Vernon, and Danny Patten of Lisbon; five grandchildren, Abigail, Emily, and Sophia Patten of Mount Vernon and Kaler and Natalie Patten of Lisbon; brother, Ken Schmitt of Holy Cross; three sisters, Donna (Roger) Sweeney and Lou Ann Schmitt, both of Holy Cross, and Darlene (Phil) Frasher of Worthington; many nieces and nephews; and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Janet enjoyed spending her time attending her grandchildren's activities. She also loved gardening, often sharing produce with family and neighbors. In retirement, she enjoyed trips to the casinos with her husband. She will be remembered for being a great Mom, Grandma, and wife. She was the backbone and caregiver of the family.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Deepest sympathy
You are in our thoughts and prayers to find comfort and peace.
I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Some of my fondest memories of Janet from my childhood was her little strawberry patch that she grew and her contagious giggle. She will be missed❤😥
Sent with love and remembrance,
So sorry for your loss Donna. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Pat & Stacy
Uncle Dave, Sending love and keeping you all in my heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our deepest sympathy to Randy & Sarah and their family. May our heavenly Father give you His strength, comfort, and peace during this most difficult time. Bob & Beula Dvorak
With deepest sympathy,
It was around 51 years ago that I met “Smitty.” She introduced herself as that and it was all I called her all these years. We had great times in the B Ave. apartment in Cedar Rapids and those fun times on weekends in Holy Cross have become fond memories. She met Dave on my 21st birthday in 1971 and it was love right away. We didn’t see each other much over the years as we were raising our families, but we were always friends, none the less. My wish, after the pandemic, was to have a big get together in Holy Cross with her and Dave and all the Schmitt’s. Maybe we can still do that and toast to Smitty and all the laughter and love she brought to all our lives.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Please accept our condolences,
With deepest sympathy, Donna and Roger, Chris and Dan and family, Steve and Dawn and family, Brian and Amy and family & Dawn and Tom and family
With fond memories, Janet will always be remembered as a close friend as a high school classmate in Holy Cross and at St Lukes nursing school in Cedar Rapids. Many good times were shared, especially in our nursing dorm at Averill House. Deepest sympathy to Janet’s family.
Deepest sympathy to all the family members & friends – she is at peace.
I met Janet 4 years ago at the Diamond Jo Casino. We struck up a conversation and that continue on and off to our last visit, Her and I Loved to talk about Family especially our Grandkids. We always could share memories and Photos of them. Janet to me was a very Kind and Loving Woman, I am going to miss her a lot especially her Smile. Peace be with You always sending you are thoughts and Prayers and hope you find comfort in the Lord, Love Linda Ansel,
So sorry to hear this sad news. Janet and I had so much fun in High School. Affectionately called her Shorty. Prayers for your family. Paulette
We are so sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your family’s loss. May God bless you all and bring you peace as you celebrate the life of your mother/grandmother.
So sorry for your loss. The Campbell’s
With love Doug and Sue
I met Janet or “Smitty” as she became know to us in 1967. We went to nursing school together and then lived together in an apartment for two years while we worked at St.Luke’s. We kept up with each other and our families at Christmas through letters and cards. I am so sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. Remember the good times, as I will.I have lived in Florida the past 40 years.Love to all. Shirley Gritton Repstien
Randy, Sarah and family, I’m so sorry for your loss…..there is nothing like a Mother’s love. I always loved Janet’s smile, so sweet. We had many good conversations. Always hold her special memories close to your hearts and think of her with a smile. You all are in my special thoughts, Annamae Baker