Of Menomonee Falls, November 12,2022 Age 91 years. Loved by daughter, Lita Sue (Jamie) Patek and granddaughter Lea Patek. Preceded in death by her husband Don A. and her daughters Nancy L. Schneiders Krejci (Greg Krejci) and Donna Eve Schneiders and her brother Robert Krell.

Born in Chicago, Illinois to Eva and Albert Krell. Lolita attended Lourdes High School and Mundelein College in Chicago. She followed her family to Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point where she met her husband, Don. She received a teaching degree in 1953.

Lolita went on to teach school in Arbor Vitae, Minocqua and in the Wausau area. Lolita and Don later moved to the Village of Menomonee Falls and knew they were home. While raising her girls, she continued to expand her experiences by becoming the first woman insurance sales rep for a Wisconsin insurance company and later a sales rep for a glass distributor.

In 1980, Lolita was elected to the Wisconsin State Legislature and served as a Wisconsin State Representative for 16 years. She was committed to helping people in her community and represented them on numerous local and state boards and committees. She was honored to be appointed and served on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.

Lolita was an educator with a thirst for knowledge. She shared that knowledge with her daughters and granddaughter. She was always discussing history, politics, family and the importance of being a strong woman. Family traditions were also a priority to carry on. She spent as much time possible sharing and cooking family recipes with her girls.

Lolita enjoyed traveling with Don and their friends. She enjoyed reading, shopping, bridge, golf and entertaining. While Lolita was dedicating her daily life to her passions in politics including local and state government, she loved coming home to her family to share experiences over the dinner table.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday December 3 at 11am at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, N88 W17658 Christman Rd. Menomonee Falls. The family will greet friends 10am until time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Don A. Schneiders Family Memorial Scholarship appreciated.

Lolita did not believe in watching life go by. She wanted to be a part of life and make a difference. She once said: “As I leave you with a very heavy heart; I leave no advice, you each know your part. I say good-bye to this body with tears on my face, and hope that I leave you with dignity and grace”