Patricia L. Norquist

A Memorial Service for Patricia L. Norquist will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11:00AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Warroad, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Silent City Cemetery in Roosevelt, MN. 

Patricia Lou (Peterson) Norquist was born on September 29, 1935, to Michael and Helen (Myers) Peterson. Pat was born, raised, and attended school in the Warroad area. She passed away on October 23, 2024, at the Warroad Senior Living Center. She was 89 years old. Pat was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and grandmother who always gave selflessly. Her family was the most important thing to her, and "Mom" and "Grandma" were her favorite titles. She dearly loved her three sisters: Anne, Kathleen, and Mitzi—known as the "Peterson Girls."

Pat married Lester Norquist, and they had four children: Bobbi Ann, Mike, Mitzi, and Scott. She was also a proud grandmother to four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Pat was a friend to many and loved to volunteer and give back wherever she could. One of her favorite places to volunteer was the local humane society, where she devoted her time and donated essential items, always driven by her love for animals. Another of Pat’s cherished causes was the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, a charity close to her heart, in memory of her nephew Nelson Peterson.

In 1966, she began working at Cal’s Motel, where she was a jack of all trades for nine years. After that, Pat joined Marvin's, where she worked for 29 years. She continued her role as a jack of all trades, wearing many different hats—from sales to flight coordination, training many of her fellow employees, and being a valued team member.

Pat loved to knit, crochet, cook, bake, garden, and spend time with her family. Many years ago, she opened a shop in her home called "The Knit 1 Purl 1 Shop." In a newspaper article about the shop, she said, “I never go down the road without my knitting. If I forget it, I turn around and go back for it. It’s something a lot of people should learn. It's a great pastime.” When Pat learned there was a need for hats for preemie babies—since none were small enough—she quickly got to work. Over the years, thousands of babies, from Minnesota to California, wore Pat’s hats that she lovingly made. Each one, a symbol of her kindness and dedication. Pat shared her talents with her family and community, teaching her skills to anyone who wanted to learn.

Pat was everyone’s favorite chef and baker. From dozens of monster cookies to trays of Rice Krispies treats and baskets of buns, no one could compete with “the way Grandma made it.”

In the last decade of her life, Pat battled dementia. During the last four years, she moved to Warroad Senior Living Center, where she was lovingly cared for by her daughter Mitzi and the wonderful staff there.

Pat was known for her love, kindness, compassion, giving nature, and a witty sense of humor that brought joy to many. Although her memories started to fade, her legacy will remain a lifetime.

Patricia is survived by her Children: Bobbi Ann (Terry) Aker of Warroad; Michael (Somchit) Norquist of Thailand; Mitzi Norquist of Warroad and Scott (Brenda) Norquist of Denair, California. 3 Grandchildren: Patti (Jeff), Matthew (Kapital) and Madison (Sam). Great-grandchildren: William, Sophie, Sullivan, Stella, Taylor Ann, Lauren, Jak, Audie Lee, several nieces and nephews, and her friend of over 80 years Martha (Landby) Whaley.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband Lester Norquist, father Michael Peterson, mother Helen Peterson, brother Wesley Peterson, nephews Nelson Peterson, Wesley Floe, Tim Searle and her dear grandson Kevin Aker.

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