PATRICIA M. ALMQUIST

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Patricia May (Alberg) Almquist, 85, Moose Lake died on Saturday, August 23, 2025. She was born on November 22, 1939, to Caroline (Turnock) and Roy Ward Nels Alberg in the small town of Willow River, Minnesota. She was the first daughter of a farmer and grew up on a farm in the tiny town of Denham, MN. Patti spent her childhood alongside her sisters—Karen, Noreen, and Wendy—sharing many adventures and learning what it meant to be a “bossy but loving” older sister. 

From a young age, she picked up skills that would stay with her for life: gardening, cooking, canning, and sewing. She also discovered her love for music, learning piano, singing, and playing the trombone. One story she liked to tell was about practicing her trombone on the porch. As she played, all the cows came running to the fence, and her father rushed outside, surprised. He quickly sent her back inside, and she didn’t play outside again—at least not until her marching band days.

Patti graduated as a Willow River Wild Cat in 1957 and went on to pursue Elementary Education and Music Education at St. Cloud State University, graduating in 1961.

In the early 1960s she went on a blind date with her sister Karen where she met the love of her life, Lyle Almquist and the two were united in marriage on October 17, 1964. They settled in Moose Lake, Minnesota, where they bought a home and began their family. In 1968, they welcomed their daughter, Cara Lea.

Patti began her teaching career in Mora, Minnesota, where she worked from 1961 to 1964. She later accepted a permanent position at Moose Lake School, teaching 5th grade and eventually transitioning to Special Education, where she served from 1964 to 1981. Patti deeply cared for every child she taught. She found great joy in watching her students grow and succeed, and their accomplishments continued to bring her pride for years to come.

In 1981, Patti stepped away from classroom teaching to pursue a new adventure with her sister Noreen: together, they opened a fabric store in Moose Lake, Minnesota, lovingly named the Calico Cottage. It became a creative haven in the community, reflecting Patti’s lifelong love for sewing and the community.

Between 1986 and 1993, Patti returned to education through long-term substitute teaching, and also began a new chapter with the University of Minnesota Extension Service in Carlton County. She started as a 4-H program assistant and later became the Extension Educator, where she found deep purpose in working with youth and families.

During her time with the Extension Service, Patti pursued her Master’s in Education, graduating in 2001. Her thesis, Effectively Involving Children and Youth with ADHD in Nontraditional Educational Experiences, reflected her dedication to inclusive learning. She also wrote articles focused on Keys to Quality Youth Development, showcasing her passion and unwavering commitment to helping young people thrive in an everchanging world.

Patti’s life was a reflection of her deep and abiding faith. She didn’t just believe—she lived it, every day, through kindness, service, and joyful expression. Her spirit touched many, and her care for others was rooted in the love she carried from her walk with God.

For three decades, from 1969 to 1999, Patti served faithfully as the choir director at Hope Lutheran Church, lifting hearts through music and worship. She also played in the handbell choir, sang with Autumn Voices, and brought joy to the community with her trombone in the local community band. Music was one of the many ways she shared her faith—it was her ministry, her gift, and her joy.

Beyond the church walls, Patti gave generously of her time and talents. She volunteered with the Moose Lake Area Historical Society, the Moose Lake Chamber of Commerce, and supported countless events at Hope Lutheran. In every role, she brought warmth, dedication, and a servant’s heart.

Patti is preceded in death by her parents Roy and Caroline Alberg, husband Lyle who went to be with the Lord in May 2021, and her sister Karen (Lee) Anderson in 2023. Patti is survived by her daughter Cara of Moose Lake. Three wonderful grandchildren Kiaya Plews, Eli (Lena) Plews and Garrett (Elise) Keinanen. Great grandchildren: Lilly, Zack, Memphis, Marley, Jacob, Phoenix and Blaze. Sister Noreen (Rollie) Brockman of Moose Lake and sister Wendy (Frank) Suchon of Lake Tahoe, Nevada and several nieces and nephews who she held near and dear to her heart.

Please join us to celebrate Patti’s life on September 20, 2025, at the Moose Lake Evangelical Covenant Church. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, followed by the service from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. Interment will take place on July 3, 2026 at 3 PM, with family, at Faith Lutheran Cemetery in Denham.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.