Patricia Ann Dykoski

1946 - 2025

Patricia Ann Dykoski (Recker), of Mound, MN, passed away peacefully at home on September 14, 2025 at the age of 78.

Patti was born in Minneapolis on October 15, 1946, to Richard and Lucille Recker. Her lifelong passion was sparked at just 12 years old, the moment she stepped into a gymnasium. In that moment, she knew she wanted to be an athlete, a teacher, and a coach-though she couldn't have known then just how profoundly she would shape the future of girls' athletics.

In high school, Patti joined nearly every club she could and held numerous leadership roles. She competed in swimming, basketball, volleyball, and speed skating. After graduation, she attended the University of Minnesota, pursuing a degree in physical education while continuing to compete in swimming, diving, rowing, gymnastics, and speed skating as well as becoming a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority where lifelong friendships were formed. At that time, athletic opportunities for women were limited to club sports, so Patti forged her own path-seeking out, creating, and fighting for opportunities where none existed.

Her most notable athletic achievement came in speed skating, where she received honors at the state, national, and international levels. She was even invited to the 1968 Olympic time trials. Though she had the talent, the funds for travel and participation were already allocated for tuition, and she made the difficult decision to continue her education.

While at the University of Minnesota, Patti met her husband, Bob, who shared her passion for sports and was also pursuing a degree in physical education. They married in 1970 and settled in Mound, where they began their careers-and what would become a movement for female athletics at the Westonka High School.

Patti didn't set out to be a trailblazer, but she became one. She empowered her female athletes to demand equal access to gym space, hand-painted numbers on shirts when girls weren't provided uniforms, and fearlessly challenged school administrators who resisted change. From those early battles emerged the first girls' gymnastics and track teams in Mound-soon followed by tennis, volleyball, swimming, golf, cross country, and soccer. Patti spent countless evenings sleeping on the floor of her office, working late into the night to rewrite the narrative of what female athletes could achieve. Her impact on generations of students, athletes, and the community cannot be overstated.

Outside of school, Patti and Bob shared a love of travel and adventure. They explored the world together during the summer-scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, rafting-visiting places like New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Korea, Japan, and Mexico. Patti later achieved another life goal when she had her children, Rob, Megan, and Amanda.

In her later years, Patti continued to enjoy travel, gardening, spending time with friends and family, and getting more involved in her church. Her grandchildren called her "Grandma Candy" because she always had jelly beans in her pocket. She passed down a love of the outdoors to her children, drank Manhattans with her sister during the holidays, and filled every room with energy and strength.

All Patti ever wanted was to know that she made a difference-and she did. What a difference. She will be remembered as a pioneer, a fighter, a mentor, and one of the strongest women we've ever known. She will be deeply missed.

Patti is survived by her children Rob (Amy) Dykoski, Megan (Brent) Johnski, and Amanda Dykoski; grandchildren Marek, Tobin, Gemma, and Addalyn; siblings Tony (Diana Bibeau) Recker and Mary (Deb Anderson) Zappetillo; many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and her brother, Rick.

Visitation held at Huber Funeral Home, 1801 Commerce Blvd, Mound, MN on Thursday, September 25 from 5-7PM. Funeral services held at Our Lady of Our Lake Catholic Church, 2385 Commerce Blvd., Mound, MN on Friday, September 26 at 11AM with visitation at 10AM. Luncheon following.

Huber Funeral & Cremation Services

Mound Chapel 952-472-1716

www.huberfunerals.com