Patricia Engelhard (Auer) Watkins

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Watkins, Patricia Engelhard (Auer) 87, danced out of our conscious, visible world into the mystery of beyond, unafraid, on Sunday morning, July 16. When introduced she sometimes said, "I'm a dancer," and she truly was and did. Maria Genne, director of the Minneapolis intergenerational dance group KairosAlive!, remarked, "Ahh, dear Pat, the dancer who is always twirling and laughing. She has so much love for life! She has showered us all." The Kairos company, with Patricia a soloist, in 2012 danced in the PBS series, "Arts and the Mind." A teacher, then guidance counselor in the Edina public schools 30 years, she generously gave and received love, accompanying both with a smile that could make your day. Yet, depression was her frequent companion. In 1952, at the University of Minnesota, she earned a BS in physical education and in 1968, on sabbatical, acquired a Masters in Guidance and Counseling. She was skilled in counseling young women to seek equal treatment in education and beyond in the work world. In 1953, Patricia married Donald "Chick" Engelhard, and two sons, Craig and Bret, were added to the family. Craig married Antje Bittner of Munich, Germany, and the couple presented Pat with three grandchildren, Lars, Finn and Ella. Bret married Vicki Madsen of Essig, Minn. All Pat's descendants survive her. She is preceded in death by parents William C. Auer, Sr., and Amie Sophie Auer, and by brother William C. Auer, Jr.. In 1976 Patricia divorced, and in 1979 married Jesse Ralph Watkins of Minneapolis, who survives her. On a rural 10-acre home site in Scott County the couple built a modern log home and in the 1980s and '90s cut and burned firewood for home heat. For 18 months beginning in summer 1998, Pat and Ralph traveled the US and Canada in a pickup truck and live-in trailer. Their 38th wedding anniversary was July 21. A Celebration of Life for Patricia will be held Saturday, July 29, 2017, at Walker UM Church, 31st Street and 16th Avenue South, Minneapolis. Visitation is at 10:00 a.m., the service at 11:00, followed by lunch. Those who desire may provide flowers for the Celebration or make a monetary gift. Funds will be divided equally between Walker Church and the dance group KairosAlive! Pat's ashes are to be interred at Lakewood Cemetery.

Published on July 23, 2017