Patricia Rittgarn

Patricia Louise Rittgarn, 73, died Sunday evening, October 17, 2010 after a long illness at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. She is survived by her husband, Larry Rittgarn, her daughter, Roxanne Holmsen, her son-in-law, Ed Holmsen, her two grandchildren, Alexandra and Ryan Holmsen, her sisters, Bev Holm and Kay Mitchell and her nephews, Brad and Bart Mitchell. Patricia (Pat) Holm was born to Grace and Merrill Holm on August 5, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The family eventually settled in Overton, NE, where, during her high school years, she met her future husband and the love of her life, Larry. Pat was active in music, theater, and band where she was the drum majorette and a percussionist. Larry and Pat were married on April 15, 1956 at the First Methodist Church in Overton. In January 1961, daughter Roxanne was born and became the focus of both Pat and Larry. Pat and Roxanne shared a very special relationship as both mother/daughter and friends. The family moved to Fargo in 1970. Pat spent many years in the insurance industry both as an underwriter and office manager. She then set up the Bishop’s office for the First United Methodist Church and served as office manager for 10 years. Later she was the Exhibits Manager and Coordinator for The Big Iron Farm Show for 10 years prior to her retirement. Pat loved singing, reading, and traveling with Larry on their many adventures, including trips to Texas to see Roxanne’s family. Pat enjoyed all of her time with her grandchildren who thought she was the best “Nana” ever. Pat was heavily involved in the arts in Fargo, as well as Sweet Adelines, including her local chapter Accapella Xpress where she was a 40 year member. Pat enjoyed all types of music and her love for singing never stopped. She had a beautiful soprano voice and sang solos all of her life. Pat and Larry sang with the First Methodist Choir for 25 years and the First Lutheran Choir and Women’s choir for the past 15 years. Pat was active in Kiwanis International and was a charter member of the South Point Club where she served as past President and secretary. Pat helped Larry as Circle K administrator for 8 years, having a huge impact on college students both as friend and surrogate mom. Pat was very active with training, regional convention, and other activities of Kiwanis. Pat was the light of Larry’s life for nearly 55 years, the best mother, friend and Nana to her daughter and her family, a wonderful sister, aunt, and friend to her sisters and nephews and a great friend to many. She will be missed every day for the rest of their lives, but her family is comforted to know that she is no longer in pain and is singing with the angels in the heavenly choir. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Accapalla Xpress, First Lutheran Foundation, or Kiwanis District Education Foundation. Memorial Service: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 10:00 AM at First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND with a lunch to follow. Visitation: Monday, October 25, 2010 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Hanson Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND.