Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 26, 2023

CHARLOTTE- Patricia Mae Heidemann (Pat), age 90 of Charlotte, NC, died peacefully in the early morning of June 26. She is predeceased by her son, David Chromasta; her parents, Norman and Lucille Heidemann; her husband, Jerry Karl; and her nephew, Tim Heidemann. Pat is survived by her brother, Norm Heidemann, her step- children, Fred Karl and his wife, Tina; Jean Karl Penner and her husband, Joe; and John Karl and his wife, Audrey; Pat's grandchildren Lore Coimbra and her wife, Jenni Coimbra; Alex Karl; Jordyn Karl; Jayci Karl; Matthew Penner; Hope Penner; niece, Lynn Heidemann; and nephews, Dan Heidemann and Tom Heidemann.

Her family remembers Pat for her undying wit, generosity, and calm. She was always pleasant and joyful, but with a humorous realism, even in the days before her death. She is missed dearly, yet her family rejoices that she is with her eternal Father. 

Pat graduated from West Allis Central High School in 1951 and completed her Bachelor of the Arts degree in 1981 from Alverno College. She also attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee during the 1951-1952 school year. She worked for Miller Brewing as an executive secretary from 1952 until 1961. She worked in a doctor’s office from 1961 until 1969, when she started working at WA Krueger and attending Alverno College.

Pat met Jerry Karl while working at WA Krueger. They married in 1984. Pat started and ran a computer consulting company before retiring in 1987. She and Jerry were proud snowbirds for many years, splitting time between Peoria, AZ, and their lakefront property in Belgium, WI. 

In Arizona, Pat and Jerry were avid volunteers at the Peoria Sports Complex for spring training (but she never forgot her allegiance to the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers). Pat and Jerry also volunteered at Arrowhead hospital in Glendale, AZ. At Arrowhead, Pat worked in the volunteer office and facilitated scholarships for college students in the health professions. Pat and Jerry also led the Wisconsin club at Westbrook Village in Peoria.

They frequently hosted their family in Arizona and Wisconsin and occasionally took them on trips, including a family cruise to Alaska in 2006. They frequently traveled to class reunions and to gamble at casinos in Laughlin, NV. Pat’s luck extended beyond the casino, as she frequently beat her friends and family in Sheepshead, Hand and Foot, Dominoes and Rummikub.

Pat moved to Charlotte in 2021 to be near family, who consider the last two years a tremendous blessing. She was a favorite resident in her assisted living facility. In her final years she maintained her sense of humor and a pleasant, grateful disposition. She finished her race well.

A service to celebrate Pat’s life will be held in Dayton, Ohio, on September 23^rd, 2023. She will lie next to Jerry in Calvary Cemetery.