Patricia Irene O'Laughlin

Patricia Irene O’Laughlin, age 80, of Belle Plaine, passed away on January 11, 2026, in Belle Plaine. Visitation will be at Pax Christi Catholic Church in Eden Prairie on Tuesday, January 20th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. After a short luncheon following Mass, Patricia will be interred at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Belle Plaine.

Patricia was born on November 17, 1945, to Gabriel and Irene (Dullinger) Schwegler. She grew up in Alexandia and graduated from Jefferson High School. Soon after high school, Patricia married Tim O’Laughlin at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria on June 19, 1965.

Patricia's career was marked by her commitment to service and education. For 16 years, she managed the Belle Plaine Community Ambulance service, ensuring the well-being of countless individuals in urgent need. Her dedication to special education was evident as she served for seven years as a technical tutor at Belle Plaine High School, where she made a significant impact on the lives of her students. Patricia also worked for the City of Belle Plaine for seven years, further solidifying her ties to the community. Earlier in her career, she showcased her artistic flair as a hair stylist in both Minneapolis and Belle Plaine, where she brought joy and confidence to many of her clients.

Patricia was not only dedicated to her professional life but was also actively engaged in her community. She was a respected member of the Befrienders out of New Prague and devoted her time to the VFW Auxiliary in Belle Plaine 6202, contributing to various charitable efforts and supporting fellow veterans. Patricia also volunteered with the Belle Plaine Food Shelf for a number of years.

Patricia is survived by her sons, James (Jennifer) O’Laughlin of Belle Plaine, Dr. Daniel (Dr. Juliana) O’Laughlin of Eden Prairie, Michael (Loan) O’Laughlin of Renton, WA, and Kevin (Cami) O’Laughlin of Eden Prairie; grandchildren Kyle, Mo, Caitlin, Meghan, Mason O’Laughlin and Makayla (Cam) Slowinski; siblings, Dr. Robert (Inez) Schwegler, William (Pat) Schwegler, Mary Ann (Mike) Calvert, Esther Reagan, and Janet Barcus

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tim in 2013; her brother James (Edith), and brother-in-law James Barcus.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in remembrance of Patricia to Pax Christi Catholic Community.