Patricia Falck

Patricia Falck died Monday, June 1, 2009, at her daughter's home in Fargo, North Dakota, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was loved by all who knew her, and gave her love to those of us left behind. Patricia Ann Wanzek was born August 11, 1929, at Jamestown, ND. She was the fourth child of Peter and Martha (Pyzick) Wanzek. The tragedy of losing her mother at ten years of age taught Pat as a youngster to be a caretaker - a role she continued with throughout her life. Pat attended Moon Lake Township School through the eighth grade and graduated from St. John's Academy in Jamestown. She worked in a dental office and at the Fair Store in Jamestown, before her marriage to Neil Falck from Buchanan, ND, on July 1, 1954, at St. Mathias of Windsor Catholic Church in Windsor, ND. They made their home on a farm near Buchanan where they raised their two daughters. Pat was an active partner in the farm as well as a mother and homemaker. She volunteered at St. Margaret's Catholic Church and at the Buchanan School. Pat was a bountiful gardener, known for her canning and preserves. She also began her long love of raising flowers - teaching herself through the years to create beautiful planters and flower gardens. She was also an accomplished seamstress - sewing clothing for her young daughters and herself. In 1980, Neil and Pat retired from farming and moved to Fargo, ND. They spent many years vacationing in their motor home. For 30 years, they spent winters in California and Arizona. Pat loved to visit Medora, Disneyland, and the Black Hills. She also loved to spent time with her sisters and all their families were amazed that they could talk at the same time while listening to each other. Pat's most rewarding role in life was that of grandmother. She was devoted to her granddaughters, Julie and Laura, and they returned her love. Pat spent delightful hours reading to them, baking cinnamon rolls, attending school functions and preparing treats for every holiday. One of her greatest joys was seeing "Her girls" almost every day of their lives. Pat was a kind and generous woman, always giving to others, whether it was helping her daughters, supplying little treasures to her younger sisters, or sharing her wonderful apple and rhubarb pies. Although Pat struggled with Alzheimer's for over nine years, the disease didn't rob her spirit or her sense of family. Pat was a quiet, gentle soul who knew that her Lord had prepared a place for her where she would once again be made whole in a new life with Him. Pat and her family were blessed to have compassionate support from the staff of Heart-2-Heart. Our family extends our deepest thanks to each of you: Nancy, Hope, Burnett, Mary, Amber, Rita, Sally, and Linda. You cared for her as one of your own, giving us the precious gifts of comfort and peace. You are angels in our lives and we feel blessed to know you. Our thanks also to Hospice of the Red River Valley - your staff helped us navigate the end of Mother's journey with dignity and caring. Pat is survived by her husband Neil; her two daughters, Mary Anne (Steve) Swiontek and Nancy Falck; her granddaughters, Julie (Jason) Gronland and Laura Swiontek (fiancé, Reid Mattson) all of Fargo. She is also survived by four sisters: Mary (Bill) Winberg, Moorhead; Rose (Rick) Gonser, Long Beach, CA; Helen (Duane) Seher, Bend, OR; Carol (RDell) Froemke, Fort Collins, Co; and four brothers: Stanley (Irene) Wanzek, Fargo; Tom (Rae) Wanzek, Moorhead; Mark (Jeanne) Wanzek, Jamestown; and Raymond (Annette) Wanzek, Windsor, ND; and many nieces and nephews. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Martha; her brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Edna Wanzek; and an infant brother, Joseph. Memorials may be sent to: Hospice of the Red River Valley – 1701 38th St. S. Suite 101, Fargo, ND, 58103 or Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society – 325 S. 7th St. Parkside Building, Fl