Patricia "Pat" Joyce Gollatz

Patricia J. Gollatz, 83, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born on July 5, 1942, to the late Wilson and Marion (King) Zang in Steeleville, IL and later married her high school sweetheart, Charles Gollatz, on August 22, 1964. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage.

Chuck, along with their daughters, Lisa (Bart) Bottorff of Osceola, Heather (Tim) Gollatz-Dukeman, and Paige (Scott) Snyder, both of Mishawaka continue to honor her memory along with her grandchildren—Makenna and Madison Bottorff, Zara Dukeman, and Brody and Avery Snyder. Pat is also remembered by her sisters, Christine (Jerry) Rans (children - Jacob Rans and Jessica Wills) of Brighton, MI, and Rebecca (Richard) Brown (children – Eric Brown and Jared Brown) of Roscoe, IL. Chris and Becky were her best friends and daily dose of humor, love, and compassion. Her nieces, Carla (Kelly) Newcomer and Carolyn (Scott) Smeltzer and their children will also treasure her memory.

Pat was a beloved music teacher for nearly 25 years at Mary Frank Elementary School and Twin Branch Elementary School. Her undergraduate education was achieved at Western Michigan University and her Master’s degree at Indiana University. Throughout her career she inspired thousands of students in music classrooms, private lessons on clarinet and saxophone, and a multitude of musical performances. She inherited a gift for music and art from her mother and father who taught her how to play saxophone and clarinet at a very young age. For over 30 years, her life was filled with joy leading multiple church choirs, playing in the South Bend Symphony, and singing with the Camerata Singers. She proudly shared her musical gifts and love of music with her community.

Above all else, Pat held her family and her marriage to Chuck close to her heart. A devoted wife, loving mother, beloved sister, and proud grandmother, she found her greatest joy in supporting and celebrating her children and grandchildren. Pat could be found at a multitude of events to include band and choir concerts, swimming, soccer, rugby, equestrian events, photography, and military life. With Chuck by her side, she loved their daughters unconditionally, always guiding them with kindness, encouragement, and laughter. Pat’s life was a tapestry woven with humor, faith, family, and music, and her love touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, but her warmth and spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

Pat’s wish was to be cremated. Visitation with family and friends will take place at Trinity Church, 61770 Miami Road, South Bend, on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 9:00am – 11:00am with a church service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hope Mission, South Bend, or Trinity Church. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Pat’s life, or extend a message of comfort to her family, please visit the Guestbook.