Pat Fohrman

Patrick "Pat" James Fohrman, 74, of St. Charles, died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at Mayo Clinic - Rochester, St. Mary's Campus, surrounded in love by his family. Pat was the fourth of eleven children, born on March 17, 1947, in Britt, IA, to Joseph and Viola (Wilwerding) Fohrman. At a young age, Pat's family moved to High Forest Township in Olmsted County to farm. At the age of 10, they bought a farm north of Dover, where he worked and cultivated a love for farming that would last his lifetime. He attended St. Charles Catholic School through to the 8th grade and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1965. Pat met the love of his life, Patricia "Patty" Schmit, at the Pla-Mor Ballroom in Rochester after he gathered the courage to ask her to dance. On August 3, 1968, they married at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Plainview. Pat and Patty purchased a farm next to his family's home place, north of Dover, where he has remained farming.

Pat was a man of Faith, Family, Farming, and Fishing. He was a faithful member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, where he volunteered as an usher. Pat's love and devotion to his family were seen in his daily actions, from the kisses and gentle neck massages to his wife to his helping hand, listening ear, and never-ending patience to his children. He was an incredibly proud grandfather and loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren tremendously. He was known for always having treats and loved to share ice cream. He valued his time with his family. Pat also cherished being on his farm and driving tractors. He started each day on the farm with an eagerness to work and was often heard saying, "I am doing my Father's work." He was an avid fisherman and always sought to hook a big walleye. He treasured his yearly trips to Lake Erie and enjoyed his many fishing trips to the local lakes and rivers.

Pat's joy in experiencing life was evident. He loved deer hunting and his annual trips to Wyoming or Colorado to elk hunt. The stories and laughter from these trips filled the days until he was able to go again. He and Patty also enjoyed traveling across the globe, including Hawaii three times, Alaska and New Zealand. They treasured their winter road trips, which allowed them to visit multiple friends and family and included time to dance. The dance that started their love in 1967 continued to fuel their love for one another. They were looking forward to celebrating 53 years of marriage in August. Pat belonged to the St. Charles Moose Lodge and cherished his time there with friends. No one was a stranger to Pat; he could strike up a conversation and become fast friends with anyone. His infectious smile and humor brought joy to anyone he encountered.

He is survived by his wife Patty, seven children, Susan Marie Fohrman (Bill Steele) of St. Charles; Scott James (Shannon) Fohrman of St. Charles; Steven John (Amy) Fohrman of Dover; Shelly Kay (Matt) Spitzer of Rochester; Sandra Lynn (Craig) Outcalt of Oronoco; Donald Patrick Fohrman of Chatfield and Daniel Joseph (Abby) Fohrman of Dover, 21 grandchildren; Katlyn, Austin, Nathan, Zachary, Marissa, Landen, Emma, Liam, Lily, Brandon, Zack, Logan, Adeline, Dylan, Jacob, Daniel, LillyAnne, Tegan, Madisyn, Connor and Audrey, three great-grandchildren, Chandler, Anna and Bennett, siblings, Phyllis (Ron) Roessler of Eyota; David (Nancy) Fohrman of Chatfield; Mike (Bonnie) Fohrman of Wabasha and Mark (Madonna) Fohrman of Dover. Pat was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Taylor, grandson, Collin, sisters, Lucy, Mary, Marjorie, Colleen, and brothers, Charles and Dennis.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, with the Reverend Tim Biren officiating. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. A visitation will be from 4 - 8 p.m. Monday, July 12, at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles, as well as one hour before services at the church. Please share a memory of Pat at his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.