Patricia Florence Locher (Patty/Pat), age 87, of Anoka, passed away peacefully in her sleep with family beside her on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. She was born in Almena, Wisconsin on November 9, 1936, to William and Elizabeth Vanda, and grew up alongside her two sisters, Evonne and Karon.

She extended to all an unselfish and encompassing love that was displayed by her grace, forgiveness, kindness, and many forms of generosity – whether that be her time, labor, or attention. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In her family she was known to all as 'the cookie lady' and 'the card lady' always sharing goodies with visitors and remembering every birthday, anniversary, and event by sending a card to everyone to mark their special day. She was a second mom to many. She had an amazing memory, and shared story after story of her incredible life growing up in Wisconsin, Austin, and St. Paul. She was an amazing cook and baker and passed on her skills and coveted family recipes to her family.

Her community involvement and spirit of volunteerism were close to her heart and evident in her participation in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Anoka Lions and Lioness Group, 4H, Philolectians, and her neighborhood lunch club (The Hoodies). Pat's faith was her guiding light. She was raised in the catholic faith and walked the catholic life. She was a woman who loved life and shared her love of life with everyone she encountered.

Some of her favorite things were Elvis Presley, going to concerts and Mardi Gras, the Anoka Fair, and the Minnesota State Fair. She was always ready to share a toast with friends and family, and held amazing and treasured family gatherings.

Pat's favorite memories were of her time growing up in Wisconsin, where she was a majorette and cheerleader. Up until the very last days, she was willing to twirl her baton for anyone! She cherished time spent with her sisters and her best friends Barb and Sharon. She was a proud Bohemian and Packers fan and loved lutefisk dinners and watching Packer's football games. In the last year, her most treasured time was spent with her children and her beloved sister Karon. Anyone who knows Pat knows she is reunited in heaven with Landol, her parents, sister Evonne and treasured friends who passed before her, and is likely enjoying a glass of Merlot with all of them.

Patty is loved and deeply missed by her children, Joleen (Don) Kotoski, Brenda Lee Locher (Pete) , Lynne Altenburg, Landy Locher, Victoria Locher-Belisle, and Craig (Lillian) Locher; grandchildren, Kali (Sahlee), Weston (Shelby), Jennifer (Dave), Katie, Rebecca, John, Daniel (Jessica), Arielle, Jeremy (Amy), Justin, Trevor, and Alec; great-grandchildren, Kaija, Greyson, Luna, Conner, Daniel, Apollo, Leia; sister, Karon Rothbauer; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Patty's family would like to extend special gratitude to the staff at Allina Hospice Care and Allina Home Health Care for their tender care and support during the last 18 months.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, at Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home in Anoka, Minnesota. The Funeral will begin at 11:00 am, with the Visitation starting one hour prior at 10:00 am. Patty will be buried at Calvary Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.