Patricia "Pat" L. Sweeney

Patricia Louise Sweeney, known to nearly everyone as Pat, was born on September 5, 1942, in rural Pisek, North Dakota, the daughter of Frank and Hattie Dvorak. She grew up in a farmhouse outside of town, where the family raised chickens and cows and her mother kept the kitchen running. Pork, sauerkraut, and dumplings were on the table, country music was on the radio, and life was shaped by hard work and Czech Catholic roots she carried with her always.

Pat attended public school through the eighth grade, where math was her favorite subject. She left school early to live with and care for her grandmother Rose.

On June 13, 1960, Pat married Ken Sweeney in Walsh County, North Dakota, and had three children, SueEllen, Kenneth, and Nancy. They lived in homes in Roseville, MN, as well as Larimore and Park River, ND. Over the years she worked as a bartender, a potato grader, and an apartment manager. Wherever you went with her, she was sure to find someone she knew and catch up like no time had passed. She was a natural connector who genuinely cared about the people in her life, and many found their way through hard times because of her guidance.

Her love language was gift-giving, and Christmas was her season. Pat paid attention all year long, tucking away the perfect thing for the people she loved. When the time came to open gifts, you could tell she had been thinking of you for months.

Pat loved country music her whole life and had a particular fondness for Hank Williams, Jr. Seeing him in concert with her daughters was an evening that she cherished. She was frugal by nature and loved a good yard sale, whether she was browsing someone else's or hosting one of her own. Over the years she and Ken kept Pomeranians and Chow-Chows, and these dogs were a beloved part of the household. If you sat down to play rummy with Pat during a visit, you had better be prepared to lose gracefully, because she was going to win.

Pat passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Park River, North Dakota. She was 83 years old.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery of Park River, later in the spring.