Sioux Falls – Patrick Kirschman, 65, passed away at home Thursday, March 19, 2020, of natural causes.

Patrick Allan Kirschman was born to Robert and Rita (Schurmann) Kirschman on November 3, 1954, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He graduated from South Dakota State University in 1978.

After graduation he moved back to Sioux Falls and he worked at Metz Baking Company for over 26 years. He served in four positions with the Sioux Falls Bakers Local #433 culminating with the position of Union Chairman. He was proud of his membership in the BCT & GM (Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union) which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and CLC.

After retiring from Metz Baking Company, he became more active in the Democratic Party. He had wonderful memories of attending the National Democratic Convention in Chicago in 1996 with his Dad, Bob Kirschman, who was a delegate for South Dakota.

Pat was elected and re-elected twice to represent District 15 in the South Dakota House of Representatives and served from 2009 to 2017. He was proud to be the Labor candidate and strived to improve the lives of working people not only of District 15 but across the entire state of South Dakota.

The highlight of his political career was being the first recipient of the George McGovern Grassroots Award.

Patrick was a member of St. Joseph's Cathedral.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Grateful for having shared his life are his siblings Michael (Dawn) Kirschman, Orlando, FL, Jean Kirschman, Foley, MN, Sharil (Lyle) Kirschman-Rollag, Beaver Creek, MN, Sheila (Rodger) Ellingson, Sioux Falls, SD, Lynn (Joel) Schreurs, Canton, SD.  His nieces and nephews, Daniel (Jennifer) Kirschman, Thomas (Kate) Rollag, Jessica (Joe) Merriman, Jaclyn Schreurs, Alaina Rollag, Sean Rollag, Austin Schreurs and Charlie Ellingson remember him fondly as the family historian. He enjoyed competing on trivia nights at Krav'n with his sisters, nieces and nephews and he was always called upon to answer history and political questions.

The family will host a memorial life celebration at a later date.