Patricia "Patty" D. Schildberger

Patricia “Patty” Dawn Almen, age 73, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away at Valley Senior Living on June 27, 2025.

Patty was born on October 15, 1951, in Grafton, ND, to Lynn and Mavis (Lene) Almen. She grew up and attended school in Grafton, where she later married Daniel Weisgerber and, in time, Harry Schildberger.

A woman of many talents and endless determination, Patty held numerous roles in the Grafton and Park River areas. She worked as a bartender, gaming manager, nurse’s aide at the Grafton State School, CNA at Good Samaritan Home, and a Home Interior distributor. Never one to back down from a challenge, she put herself through school to become a licensed cosmetologist and a volunteer ambulance staff member.

Her creativity and craftsmanship knew no bounds. Patty was an avid and gifted crafter—she spent countless hours cross-stitching, crocheting, scrapbooking, painting, and designing floral arrangements. She had a deep love of music, and her talents as a pianist and singer earned her the affectionate nickname “Karaoke Queen.”

Patty also had a few well-known favorites—Mt. Dew, Dots, strawberry shakes, and pepperoni pizza, and those who loved her made sure she always had her favorite treats on hand.

Patty was a member of the South Trinity Lutheran Church and over the years she served as a Sunday School teacher and served as a member of the Ladies Aide.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lynn Almen, and grandparents Andrew and Emma (Hove) Almen, and George and Martha (Lunde) Lene.

Patty is survived by her mom, Mavis Almen, daughters: Tammy Baker and Tara (John) Peterson; grandchildren: Dani Baker, Lexi Plesha, John “JT” Peterson, and Molly Peterson; siblings Bob (Diane) Almen, Rick (Gayle) Almen, Cindy (Daryl) Johnson, and Lynda (Greg) Katka, and Randy Almen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Valley Senior Living for the loving and compassionate care they provided to Patty, especially in her final days.

Patty will be remembered for her resilient spirit, unmatched creativity, and incredible wit that kept everyone who knew her on their toes.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at the South Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Grafton.