Elsie "Pat" Miennert

Elsie “Pat” Patricia Miennert, age 82, of Ridgeway, MN, passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at Benedictine Living Community in La Crosse, WI.

Pat was born on February 19, 1936, in rural Hokah, MN, to Harry and Esther (Mauer) Shawley.  Pat married Dwain Miennert on September 17, 1955, at Ridgeway. Pat and Dwain were a devoted couple who enjoyed sharing their lives together.  In retirement, they spent countless hours at estate sales, antique shops and with the people they loved.

Pat was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridgeway.  As a Christian, Pat was full of grace and had a profound love for people. She expressed that love by welcoming everyone into her home. She was famous for her cooking and baking—always ensuring that our favorites were ready when we visited. She was also known for her joyful heart, and she would often recite poetry and sing hymns. She created a household filled with love.

In addition to raising her own children, Pat cared for many other children over the years. She provided daycare for numerous children and a place to visit, counsel, and eat for many teenagers and adults.

In later years, Pat crocheted afghans. She carefully planned what color would be appropriate for the recipient and added love to every stitch. She gave afghans to family and friends and would often say “this is a hug to wrap up in.”

Pat is survived by her six children including Karen (Danny) Kellicutt, La Crosse; Kristi Miennert, Farmington, MN; Kellie (Sam) Helgerson, Apple Valley, MN; Korrine (Dan) Maher, Randolph, MN; Bryon (Melissa) Miennert, New Hope, MN; and Karla Smith, Winona; ten grandchildren including: Julie (Chad) Carey and their children, Nathan, Chace and Kaylin; Adam (Angie) Johnson and their daughter Ella Rose; Gina (Jason) Holland and their children Jaxson and  Jagger; Jenifer  Helgerson; Thomas (Tisha) Davy and their children Reice, Addyson and Tate; Michelle (Travis) Hardwig and son, Christopher; Janelle Sprunk; Jared Sprunk and son Christian; Jeffrey Sprunk; Andy (Megan Haynes) Miller and their son Oliver;  and  Amy (Josh) Walters; her sister Ella Rome; her brother Bill Shawley; dear friends, Mike and Chris Beumer and Jerome Gardner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwain; her parents; a granddaughter, Renay Morris; son-in-law, Tom Smith; and her brothers and sisters: Jim, Ortez, Rudolph, Martha, Susan, Esther, Erma, Maymie and Victor.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 8 PM on Friday, June 1, 2018, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home.  Visitation will also be held from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ridgeway, with Pastor Anthony Straseske officiating.  Burial will be in Bush Cemetery, Ridgeway.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Pat’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.