Pat was born to parents Gregory and Jean (Mitchell) Rock on August 15, 1937 in Pittsburgh, PA. She and her five younger siblings had the best of times while growing up in Pittsburgh. They had the best of times in spite of their humble upbringing. They worked their way out of destitution and set a standard for those that followed. She was a dedicated wife, partner, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She looked back on the days of raising children fondly and with humor. She took great pride in caring for her children and the everyday tasks familiar to her generation: preparing meals, ironing every clothing item owned and polishing all the Buster Brown shoes.
After living most of her life in Minnesota and Pennsylvania, she moved to Phoenix and enjoyed the warm weather and family visits. After many years in the food service business, she and Fred opened Pat’s Family Restaurant in 1991. The restaurant was home to many regulars, police officers and other law enforcement agents, and was her out-of-town family’s first destination when visiting. Pat was a hard worker and so proud of her business accomplishment. She served her customers comfort food and quick wit. She operated Pat’s until her retirement in 2006. With her retirement came the added bonus of enjoying her visiting grandchildren and cheering on grandchildren Kyle and Isaiah at their soccer games in AZ.
Pat is survived by her partner of 40 years, Fred Koenke; 7 of her children: Michelle (Bruce) Bonine - MN; Keith (Janelle) – MO; Cindi (Jim) Stitz – AZ; Kevin (Melinda) – ND; Eugene Jr. (Kelly) – MN; Kurt (Toshia Fraker) – MN; Tricia Benjamin (George “Benji” – father of children) – AZ; 2 stepchildren: Troy Koenke – AZ; Lisa Koenke Bowman - WI. 26 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren: Jamie (Ryan) Hanford, Alison, Caitlin, Matthew; Kraig (Melissa) Elliott, Addison, Anders, Aidan; Kelly (Troy) Siemers, Sophia, Emerson; Jaclyn (Tim) Pelot, Aly, Tyler; Nikki (Adam) DeQuesada, Jack, Max, Blake; Crystal (Nick) Stocker, Noah, Caleb, Hannah; Darrin (Jessica) Shroyer, Nora; Bobby (Jenna) Bonine, Leighton, Barrett; Krissy (Jeff) Manderfeld; Chad (Sara) Ericson, Brionna, Ben; Jimmy Stitz (Alex Admans); Billy (Jill) Stitz, Sadie, Cooper; Dustin Childs; Christian Koenke; Megan Schaum; Greg Rendel; David Rogstad, Kyluh; Jacob Schaum; Connor Schaum; Rashad Bowman; KJ Schaum; Hunter Schaum; Kaile Sinclair; Hailie Bowman; Kyle Benjamin; Isaiah Benjamin; Symphony Koenke.
Also survived by: Brothers, Gregory (Judy) Rock II, William (Laurie) Rock, and Charles (Marcia) Rock; Rock in-laws, Alice Rock and John Stupar; Koenke in-laws, William Koenke, Etta Carrozza, Cynthia Duff, John Koenke, and Jim Koenke; Schaum in-laws, Melvin Schaum, Bill Schaum (Susie), Lois Leibeck; and many that call her Aunt Pat.
Preceding her in death, her eldest son, Kenneth Schaum; first husband, Eugene Schaum, Sr.; granddaughter, Anna Schaum; parents Gregory and Jean Rock; brother, Bernie Rock; sister, Barb Stupar; brother-in-law, Vince Koenke, and many Schaum in-laws. Details can be found on www.almoore-grimshaw.com as they are confirmed. Our family is so grateful for your kind words, condolences and blessings.
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