Pat Shald

Patrick Jay Shald (1942-2023)

Pat Shald, age 80, died on Tuesday, April 11,2023 at Select Specialty Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.  Pat was born May 18,1942 to Ferd and Gladys Shald in Gordon, Nebraska.  Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 6,2023 at 2:00 PM in the Gordon City Auditorium in Gordon, Nebraska.

Pat had a consummate curiosity about everything, and he loved reading and studying about the world.  He always loved a good story and lively “discussions”.  He was very proud of all his ancestors and the struggles they persevered.  He was proudly enrolled in OST but like his mother, preferred to say Oglala Lakota Tribe.   He was always keen to acknowledge and understand all branches of his tree.  Pat was generous and considered everyone his cousin and his friend.

Pat was a veteran of the Army and served at Fort Riley, KS.  He trained in a sensitive position for deployment of the Honest John missile system during the war in Vietnam.   His unit was scheduled to go overseas but the orders were cancelled.  He was very aware of the consequences of those decisions and the path it could have set us on.  He had utmost respect for the sacrifices of others during this time.  He had empathy for all involved.

Pat graduated from Gordon High School and attended Chadron State College for 2+ years.  Before he graduated, he was offered the opportunity to work in the produce department of Shald’s Market for his brother, Mike.  It was at this time that he married Dorothy Knoedler from Valentine, Nebraska.  They were married from 1968 to 1983 and had three children, Jason, Temple and Sharon.  After that store changed owners, Pat worked with his dad, Ferd, selling hides and furs until Pat built another Shald’s Market in its current location in 1974.

Pat introduced untold many to the wonders of his beloved natural world.  He was known to make fast friends of strangers.  He always strived to help people understand the complexity of the places he called home.  Hunting, fishing, and roaming the outdoors were his favorite ways of introducing people to his beliefs and traditions.     Pat loved his children and grandchildren deeply.  It was comforting to them that they had moments to share and care for him when he was transported to Omaha for the medical options offered there.   Pat fought valiantly to prolong those moments for as long as his earthly body allowed.   Friends and family will enjoy sharing their many stories about life with Pat Shald for years to come.  Many of which he shared with his special long-time friend and companion, Norma Burnham.  Norma cared for Pat for years, extending his ability to live as much of his life as he could in the community of his birth and with his beloved cat “Rascal” - and before that his  Igmu Sica as he would say with a laugh.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Gladys; and sisters Peggy Harris, Doyle Bixby, Sharon Blair, Susan Phillips, Temple Harris, and brother Mike.

Pat is survived by his sister Kelly of Rapid City, SD;  longtime special friend Norma Burnham of Gordon,  son Jason Patrick Shald (Anna Marasco) of Omaha NE and their two sons Augie of Lincoln NE at UNL and Charlie of Omaha NE; daughter Temple S Rucker, MD (Scott) of Council Bluffs, IA and their two sons, Davin of Omaha NE at Creighton and Braylon of Council Bluffs, IA; and daughter Sharon M Shald of Omaha NE; and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorials may be made to Gordon Memorial Hospital, the Willow Tree Festival, or any of the many people and organizations that teach and protect his traditions of hunting, outdoor life, and protection of the natural world.   Pat truly walked in appreciation of all his relatives.