Patricia "Pat" Ellinghuysen

Patricia “Pat” M. Ellinghuysen, age 79, of Winona, passed away at Winona Health on Thursday, July 11, 2019.

She was born on February 26, 1940, in Winona, MN to Ed and Marie Walchak. Pat was a 1958 graduate of Winona High School.

Pat was united in marriage with Merlin “Merf” Ellinghuysen on August 6, 1960, at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winona. Along with her husband Merf, they owned and operated Merf’s Market on Sarnia Street for several years. She also worked at Tempo in the Winona Mall and was the receptionist at Watlow until her retirement.  In retirement, she found much joy in volunteering her time at Restored Blessings in Winona.

She was a faithful member of St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where over the years she volunteered in many different capacities.

Pat loved their home along the Mississippi River, where she took great pride in caring for her flower garden and feeding and watching the birds. Pat and Merf enjoyed winters in Arizona for the past 14 years, and they were also able to travel throughout the US, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia.  Pat enjoyed her time bowling with many teams and friends over the years. Pat never shied away from a good conversation, a good game of cards or a match of dominoes with her friends and family.  Pat’s greatest joy in life was her family, and she especially looked forward to family gatherings held throughout the year.

Pat is lovingly survived by; children: Dawn (Tom) McGowan, Isanti, MN; Steve (Avani) Ellinghuysen, Pleasanton, CA; and Scott (Kelly) Ellinghuysen, Winona; grandchildren: Sean (Marjanae) McGowan; Matthew (Khine) McGowan; Daniel (Kathreen Smith) McGowan; Logan Ellinghuysen; Jaimin Ellinghuysen; and Jenna Ellinghuysen; great-grandchildren: Mason McGowan and Caleb McGowan; brother: Tom (Cherie) Walchak, Winona; sister-in-law: Irene Nerison, Osseo, MN; brother-in-law: Reuben Alitz, Inver Grove Heights, MN; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband; Merlin “Merf” Ellinghuysen; her parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law: Paul and Elna Ellinghuysen; sisters-in-law: Elaine Carlson and Vernice “Tudy” Alitz and brothers-in-law: Rockwell Carlson and Dennis Nerison.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 PM until 7 PM, with a devotional service at 6:30 PM, on Monday, July 22, 2019, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home. Visitation will also be held from 11 AM until the funeral service at Noon on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Reverend Richard A. Moore will officiate. Pat will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church or to the St. Martin’s Schools Student Tuition Assistance Fund.

Pat’s family would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Daniel Parker, the staff at Winona Health and the staff at Lake View Court of Lake Winona Manor, for the loving care that she received.

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