Patricia Louise Wotruba

Patricia Louise Wotruba, age 72 of Knife River, passed away peacefully in her home on January 28, 2026. She was born in Duluth, MN on May 21, 1953 to parents, George & Bernadine (Nesgoda) Balmer. Pat was a 1971 graduate of Proctor High School. She married the love of her life, Joseph Wotruba, outside, on a beautiful, sunny day in April of 1979. Their careers moved Pat and Joe to multiple cities throughout Minnesota; Mankato, Plymouth, and Duluth, before settling at their home in Knife River. Pat worked in retail management for Maurices in Duluth, and at the Hyatt Retail Market in Minneapolis, MN for Steve Barger. Her strong work ethic, eye for detail, and love of people made it a perfect fit. Her job took her on countless business trips to Canada and Paraguay. She enjoyed travelling outside of work as well. After learning how to sail on Lake Superior, Pat and Joe felt the call to warmer waters, sailing around the British and American Virgin Islands. When they weren’t sailing, you could find them on the golf course. Pat had a zest for life that no amount of medical challenges could diminish. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Bernie Balmer; brother, D. Michael Balmer; dear aunt, Rosemary Anderson.

Pat is survived by her husband, Joseph Wotruba; In-laws, Patrick (Nancy) Wotruba, Frank (Mary) Wotruba, Mary (Ed) Holappa, Judy Wotruba, Tom Wotruba, and Julie Balmer; nieces, Buffy (Bob) Rauner, Daphne (Joe) Corbett, Sara Balmer, Carolyn (Jeremy) Dick, Sharon (Chris) McMahon; Aunts, Donna (Tom) Nelson, Yvonne (Frank) Layne; and her beloved English Setters, Poncho, Fergie, Maddi, Saddie, and Carly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Duluth, in the Spring of 2026. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555.