Patricia Jeanne LeGarde

Patricia Jeanne LeGarde, born May 22,1931, to Lauritz and Agnes Stovern, passed away October 1, 2026.

Pat grew up on the Central Hillside of Duluth during the Great Depression and World War ll. As a teenager, she worked at the Woolworth’s jewelry counter and often hitchhiked with her girlfriends to the Pike Lake Roller Rink, where she spotted Jerry LeGarde, a popular local boxer. He couldn’t roller skate, but she married him anyway on Feb 18, 1950. Together they raised 14 children in the Piedmont Heights neighborhood. “And they all turned out to be nice people,” she would often say.

A fun, active and smiling mom who always prioritized kids, Pat taught Sunday school and was involved in PTA and Girl Scouts. She was a member of the Altar Society, and a behind-the-scenes supporter of the Duluth Police Boxing Gym and numerous other activities. She was a friendly face working at the DECC concession stands for 35 years and retired as the longest-lasting of the original concession stand ladies. She loved putzing around the kitchen, trying new recipes, and decorating cakes. She was known for making enormous pots of spaghetti and meatballs for family and friends who ran Grandma's Marathon races each year. Her kitchen was often full of visitors drinking coffee, and lively, lighthearted conversation while she peeled vegetables for supper or mixed up a bowl of cookie dough. She crocheted bright and beautiful afghans for all her grandchildren. At the age of 56, Pat completed the course work and received her GED, just one year before the last of her 14 children graduated high school.

Above all, Pat leaves a legacy of love. She was a genuinely true and good person who made everyone believe they were her favorite, and everyone was right.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald LeGarde, and daughter Susie Menz, sons-in-law Mike Gerber and Judd Lien, her mother Agnes, father and stepmother Lauritz and Carmella Stovern, siblings Larry Stovern, George Stovern, Audrey Hall, June Luomanen, Peggy Fanaselle, and infant sister Mardel.

She is survived by her children Linda (Tim) Grover, Janet LeGarde (Jim Shonk), Nancy Gerber, Jerry (Cindy), Colleen ( Steve Warnygora), Gail (Dean) Birman, Jeanne (Don) Warttman, Jimmy (Molly), John (Barb), Joe (Laurie), Denny (Heather Giancola), David (Jen Hawkins), Tim (Mandy) LeGarde, and son-in-law Rick Menz; Grandchildren Brenda (Jason) Goldfine, Denise McNeil, Abby (Terry) Johnson, Jenny (Tina) LeGarde, Amy (Jason) Johnson, Becky (Chris) Magnuson, Michael Gerber, Gerald (Dandan) LeGarde, Rhiannon (Alec) Johanson, Selena (Nic) Schmit, Laurie Menz, Derek (Tricia) Menz, Carney (Elise) Lien, Julie (Riley) Geissler, Steve (Samantha) Birman, Marlene (David) Manion, Bobby Warttman, Joe (Beth) Warttman, Elias, Lane (Paige), Jace (Alex), Nick, Gavin (Casey), James, Sara, Melissa, Chris, Ava, Stephanie, and Lauren LeGarde, 37 great grandchildren; siblings Louie and Bill Stovern and Mary Langlois, and many nieces and nephews and others who loved and connected with her along the way.

A special thanks to the memory care workers who loved and were loved by Pat, and to the entire Essentia Hospice team for amazing care, comfort and guidance.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 11 am with visitation starting at 10 am at St Lawrence Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Rd., Duluth, MN. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805. 218-727-3555.