Darlene Kay (Patterson) Schaap

Darlene Kay Patterson Schaap, April 28, 1948 – July 11, 2023, Omaha, Nebraska, an exceptionally caring wife, mother, grandmother, and retired teacher, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning at her home.  Darlene was born in Holdrege to Gilbert Dean Patterson and Eleanor Myrene Dunn Patterson, both of whom preceded her in death.  Darlene grew up on a farm outside of Atlanta, Nebraska.  She graduated from Holdrege High School in 1966, then earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Hastings College in 1970, and then went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Computer Education from Lesley University.  While at Hastings, she went on a date with Ronald James Schaap, a Navy veteran of Omaha, to a Hastings-Doane Football Game in Crete, Nebraska.  They married on May 31, 1970 and had two boys, Steve (Catherine) in 1974 and Brad (Amy) in 1979.  She is survived by her immediate family, brother Lyle (Dotty Jo), brother-in-law, Tom, her grandchildren, Ethan, Emerson, Emilia, and Charlotte, as well as three nephews, a niece, and other extended family.  She taught for 40 years in Hastings Catholic, Omaha Catholic, and Omaha Public Schools.  Darlene cared about everyone she met, always willing to contribute her energy, love, and spirit towards helping anyone in need.  She was a huge Husker fan, temporarily shedding her calm and collected demeanor to become known for jumping on the couch to cheer on the Husker running backs from the 1970’s through the 2010’s.  Fortunately, she was able to celebrate her 75^th Birthday this April with many friends and family, a memorable occasion for all.   Ron and Darlene also celebrated their 53^rd Wedding Anniversary in May.  A Visitation will be held on July 14, 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary at 2727 North 108^th Street in Omaha.  A gathering of Family and Friends for a Celebration of Life will be held on July 18, 3:00 to 5:00 PM also at 520 N 38^th Street Omaha, NE 68131. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Omaha Public Schools in Darlene’s memory.

Roeder Mortuary

2727 N 108th Street

Omaha, NE 68164

402-496-9000