Kogele, Patricia A., March 6, 1936 – November 17, 2017, passed away in Omaha, NE. She was a resident of Prairie Meadows Alzheimer’s Special Care Center.
Pat Kogele was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Robert and Gertrude (Burr) McGill.
When she was young, Pat loved to swim and play piano. While attending North High School, she was a highly-awarded marksman on the school’s competitive shooting team. Pat had many friends and enjoyed parties, school dances, and social events.
After graduation, Pat went to work at Mutual of Omaha, where she met and later married Richard Carritt. Together they raised two children, Kim and Kevin.
Pat was an avid reader, enjoyed playing bridge, studying history of all types, and always helped with her children’s school and extracurricular activities, including Girl Scouts, and PTA. She had a philanthropic spirit and loved animals.
Pat was an enthusiastic, lifelong learner. She began pursuing a degree in education while her children were still young, earning her bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate. After a divorce, she started working for the Omaha Public School District and later continued her education, earning two Masters Degrees, one in counseling and one in education.
During her career in education she had many roles, including classroom teacher, principal, and counselor, the latter she found especially rewarding. Pat helped to run a summer camp for disabled kids, and volunteered for years at CASA, as a court appointed child advocate for abused and neglected children. Pat retired from OPS in 2002.
Pat married Mel Kogele, in the late 70’s and happily became stepmother to Mel’s adult children. The couple enjoyed entertaining their many friends and family, and went on many marvelous adventures together. Sadly, Mel passed away in 2007.
Pat was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Church in Omaha.
Pat was preceded in death by her beloved spouse, Melvin Kogele; parents, Robert and Gertrude (Burr) McGill; and brother, Robert McGill
She is survived by her children Kim Wagner (Virgil Wagner); Kevin Carritt (Caroline); Don Kogele; Neal Kogele (Becky) ; and Linda Roman (Christopher); as well as ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation with the family Tuesday (11/21/17) 5-6:30 PM with Prayer Service Tuesday 6:00 PM Roeder Mortuary 2727 N 108th Street Omaha, NE. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities of Omaha.
We had many fun times at family get-togethers in Omaha. Patty Ann was always a gracious host at some of these get-togethers. I remember her being a very lively person. You needed to be that in wrangling all the cousins at these events. She was the last of the original “Seven Cousins” my father, Al McGill, would write about in his family newsletter, The Seven Cousins. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all her family members and we hope they will keep in touch like my father tried to do. All our love and best wishes.
Helena McGill Schulze, Gerry Schulze, Chris Schulze, Ben Schulze, Leona McGill Campbell, and Tony Campbell.
helenasch@aol.com
To the family and friends of Pat Kogele: I had the privilege of working with and learning from Pat as a school counselor in the Omaha Public Schools. She was an amazing mentor and a wonderful person. Her smile is a treasure and brightened many days for students and staff in her career. Spending time with Pat and Mel in their home at holidays are also great memories of my time with the OPS school counseling program. She most assuredly leaves a legacy for her work and life.
My deepest sympathies to Pat’s family as you honor her life.