Patricia Karlgaard

Patricia Karlgaard, 91, resident of The Waters in Minneapolis and beloved mother and grandmother, died on Thursday, March 13.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, ND.

Burial will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Pat was born on November 7, 1933 in Williston, North Dakota. Her family moved to Bismarck, and she graduated from Bismarck High School in 1951. She and Dick eloped in Montana on August 12, 1953, and Pat later finished her education at the University of North Dakota. The couple later settled in Bismarck where they raised four children over the span of 38 years. A point of pride for Pat and Dick, all six Karlgaards were confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and graduated from Bismarck High School.

In 2019, Pat was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the epic tale of moving her to Minneapolis to be closer to family began.

Pat was well known for her sense of humor. She often saw the silliness and absurdity in life and shared that perspective with those around her. She was known to break out in song depending on the mood and situation, proudly claiming she had a song for everything. She loved animals and always had a soft spot in her heart for those down on their luck. She was a pioneer in healthy eating and meditation, practicing both in the 1960s and 70s well before it became popular. She also had an exceptional eye for art and style, collecting antique pieces of furniture, modeling jeans for a local clothing store, and taking professional-quality photographs during trips abroad.

During Pat's time at The Waters, she became known for her catch phrases ("Don't you know who I am?"), dramatic soliloquies (more nonsensical than not) and quick smile. More than anything, though, Pat was an amazing spouse, mom, grandmother and friend who was deeply loved by her family and friends.

She is survived by her children Rich (Marji) Karlgaard, Los Altos, California; Mary (Rick) Burnton, St. Paul, Minnesota; and Joe (Jill) Karlgaard, Hopkins, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two nephews, one niece and many other dear friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Karlgaard, daughter Elizabeth Keith, grandson Andrew Ahlberg, parents Charles and Ann Hook, siblings Charles and William (Frank) and nephew Christopher Hook.

Many thanks to the aides at The Waters for their loving care, the nursing staff at Fairview Southdale Hospital and her care companion Aleata. 

Memorials may be sent to the Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org/mnnd).