Patricia "Pat" Quackenbush

A Memorial Mass for Patricia "Pat" Quackenbush of Chokio will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chokio with Fr. John Paul Knopik officiating.  Visitation will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chokio from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8th with a Rosary at 6:45 p.m.  Visitation will continue at the church on Friday on hour prior to Mass.  Inurnment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery rural Chokio.

Born on New Year’s Eve, 1929, in Graceville, Minnesota, Patricia “Pat” was the daughter of Carl and Esther (Leuthard) Wade and the oldest of the couple’s four children. A lifelong resident of the Chokio area, she grew up in a home dedicated to faith, learning and family; these values shaped her character and the life she pursued.

After high school, she attended Franklin Hospital School of Nursing alongside her sister Ole and graduated with an LPN degree, returning to Chokio where she and Don courted and began their life together. Wearing a corsage of yellow roses, they married on November 24, 1951 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio, Minnesota.

Devoted to her community, Pat served on the Stevens County Hospital board and was a volunteer First Responder for many years. She was proud to have participated in the Blandin Community Leadership Program. Her Catholic faith was much of who Pat was, frequently attending St. Mary’s Catholic Church for Mass and other activities, including crafting with her beloved Wednesday group for the annual fall bazaar.

Her family, foremost, was the source of her joy, taking pride that all 12 children received a secondary education and beyond. Those who knew her as a consummate homemaker also knew she was quick to let go of perfection, often with a nod and “just do your best.” As the family grew, she passed on her love of music, encouraging each of her children to pursue some form of music in school. Pat could be found cooking for a crowd, making pear jam and lefse, or letting the grandchildren “help” make her famous chocolate chip cookies, which were always ready for anyone who walked through the door (even if you had to look in the freezer). Her infectious laughter filled the room, and she was quick to introduce herself to anyone she hadn’t made friends with yet. At meal times, prayers often concluded with a “Yay, God!”.

Pat entered eternal rest on September 23, 2026 in Morris, Minnesota having achieved the age of 96 years, 8 months, and 23 days.

Her warmth and kindness toward people is reflected back in those who now grieve her earthly departure. Pat’s legacy of laughter, loyalty and love will be carried on by those who knew and adored her. Survivors include Margaret/Peggy (Ken) Quackenbush, Carol (Doug) Olausen, Joan (Scott) Bonine, Laurie (Larry) Roehl, Louise Koranda, Dean (Lynn) Quackenbush, Kay (Tom) Fox, Bruce (Kris) Quackenbush, Eileen (Rick) Johnsen, Kristine (David) Dodds, Tom (LaVonne) Quackenbush, daughter-in-law Amy Quackenbush, and foreign exchange student Ole Baek, along with brother Bob Wade, 33 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Esther Wade, husband Don, son Jim, two infant sons, Peter and John, siblings Lenore (Ole) and Roger, brother-in-law Bill Kaley, sister-in-law Doreen Wade, son-in-law Brian Koranda, daughter-in-law Carla Quackenbush, and son-in-law Tony Blake. She will be fondly remembered by numerous extended family members.

Memorials may be dedicated to the Chokio First Responders, Chokio Pool Fund, or Courage Cottage in Morris.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of the arrangements for Pat.