Patricia Sue Rongve

Patricia “Pat” Sue Rongve passed away peacefully at her home in Dodge Center, MN on Monday, November 25, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.  She was 66 years old.

Pat was born on August 23, 1958, in Owatonna, MN to Ole and Bonnie (Schuster) Garness.  She was raised in nearby Dodge Center, MN.  She attended Dodge Center High School, graduating in 1976.  She enrolled at Rochester Community and Technical College, where she excelled in the legal secretary program, achieving Dean’s List honors.   Patricia spent five years working as a legal secretary in Rochester, MN, before she decided to expand her skills and opportunities and became a medical transcriptionist at the Mayo Clinic, a role she held for 20 plus years until her retirement.

Pat had many joys, talents, and things she loved but above all, Patirica’s greatest joy came from being a mother and grandmother.  She dedicated her life to her family, creating countless cherished memories with her 11 grandchildren.  She had a unique ability to turn simple moments into extraordinary experiences, whether it was setting up cups in the kitchen and having her kids find whatever they could use as a bowling ball to knock them over or crafting custom Halloween costumes for her children.  Her generosity of her time, spirit and unwavering commitment to family made her an incredible influence in all of their lives.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Ole and Bonnie Garness and her beloved granddaughter, Jaelyn Laue.

Pat is survived by her loving, caring, self-less husband of 42 years, Donald Rongve; and their four children, Jennifer (Scott) Melder, Melissa Rongve, Kristina (Eric) Sorum, and Daniel Rongve; 10 cherished grandchildren, Deric (Jocelyn) Melder, Devon Melder, Alexis Melder, Austin Melder, Trey Theobald, Hanna Sorum, Camden Sorum, Brady Rongve, Kendall Sorum, and Bonnie Rongve; siblings, Steve (Shari) Garness, Dan (Sara) Garness, Bill (Tami) Garness, and Linda Garness.

Despite the challenges she faced later in life with Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Disease she never stopped showing her strength, her love, and she always remembered those that were by her side throughout her illness.  She will be deeply missed but will never be forgotten.  Patricia’s light will continue to shine through the memoires and love she shared with all of us.

A funeral service where family and friends will gather to celebrate Pat’s life and legacy will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at First Congregational Church, 12 2nd St NW in Dodge Center, MN with Pastor Keith Mosier officiating. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, December 2, 2024, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South Street SW in Dodge Center, MN and one hour prior to her service at the church.

The family of Patirica would like to acknowledge each and every person that helped her through her battle with Alzheimer’s and Lewy body’s disease.  The caregivers she had in her life will forever be remembered and the family will be forever grateful for their service.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South St SW Dodge Center, MN 55927, 507-374-2155. Blessed be her memory.