Patricia (Wilson) Bjorgaard

Patricia (Wilson) Bjorgaard, 82, of Warren, after a lifetime of waiting to meet her Lord, unexpectedly left behind those she loved on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Patricia Katherine was born on October 5, 1941, in Warren, MN, the youngest of six children to Lawrence and Alvina (Kolstad) Wilson. She learned her excellent cooking skills from her mother, and was always happy to help her around the house. After graduating from Warren High School in 1959, she saved up to take a ship to France, visiting her brother serving in the military. Upon her return, James Bjorgaard proposed, and the two eloped to Stephen, MN, where they were married in First Lutheran Church on June 10, 1960.

The young couple lived in Warren before moving with their growing family to Grand Forks and Thief River Falls. Each new house saw a fresh coat of paint and the tender care needed to make it “home.” Pat and her family returned to Warren in 1971, where she continued her lifelong friendships and stayed active in her church. Pat was the first female President of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and helped organize their centennial celebration. She was active in the OSL Quilting group, (enjoying socializing as much as quilting), and Pat had a story for each cherished quilt she owned. Once her children were grown, Pat spent time working at the grocery store, and later cooked at the elementary school for a decade. She enjoyed the smiling faces of the children and cared for them in the way she knew best: through food.

Pat's life is marked by both her quiet acts of service and her not-so-quiet love of socializing. Her holiday table was always extended to the full, laden with food at each holiday. Her freezer was stocked with “never ending” ice cream, and if she left the house to shop, she'd return two hours later having made a friend of a stranger, told a story, and given advice along the way. If there was ever a request for a treat or favorite meal, Pat would wordlessly slip away to make it in her kitchen, humming and singing all the while. Singing with vocal group, Allspice, and all the activities of the Warren Women's Club were highlights she fondly remembered.

From snuggling babies to visiting her friends in the nursing home or cemetery, Pat had affection for everyone who came into her life. Her love and care for her family will have a lasting impact on all of them. She will be missed greatly by many but welcomed home by many more.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jim; two sons, Bob Bjorgaard of Aberdeen, SD, David Bjorgaard of Tuscon, AZ; two daughters, Betty Jean (Mike) DuBore of Warren, and Mary Margaret Bjorgaard of Montevideo, MN; 10 grandchildren, Jacob (Julie), Katie (Eric), Courtney, Michael, Blake, Christopher, Maddie (fiance, AJ), Cameron (fiancee, Erin), Jimmy, and Gracie; three great-granddaughters, Riley, Camren, and Claire; and sister, JoAnn Clark.

In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her siblings, Robert (Sunny) Wilson, Vance (Sylvia) Wilson, Margaret (Clifford) Stafslien, and Betty Vansickle.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 10:30 AM, in Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Warren, MN.
VISITATION: One hour prior.
INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Warren.