Patricia "Patty" Birkman

Patricia “Patty” Birkman was born on January 4, 1939, in Pipestone, Minnesota to Norman and Helen (Williams) Blue. She grew up in Granite Falls where she also attended school. Patty married Leonard Olson and together they had four children, Mitchell, Leonard Alan, Susan and Connie.

Patty held several positions prior to joining Prairie’s Edge Casino for 17 years. Later in life she married Harvey Birkman and together they raised Reina as their own.

Patty had a heart for those facing hardships. She was generous, loving and caring person to friends and relatives both near and far. She also loved a good laugh and always had a smile for you. Patty’s home was one where everyone could walk in the door and feel at home at any time of the day, her home was always open. She had the kind of kool-aid house. Patty was known to be fashionably late, on “Indian time,” and was teased that she would be late for her own funeral. For years she drove around every night checking on all her children to make sure they were home and safe. Even though they were all grown. Patty was always full of mischief, a busy body, full of energy and never too far from the latest gossip. Patty had a passion for any kind of flowers and loved to be outdoors.

Patty passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on November 16, 2025, at 86 years old.

Patty is survived by her children, Mitchell (Colleen) Olson of Wood Lake, L. Alan (Jane) Olson, Susan (Herb) Olson, Connie (Paul) Olson, Reina Arce-Blue all of Granite Falls; grandchildren, Amber (Chad) Olson, Brandon Olson, Dr. Casandra Olson, James Olson, Afton Olson, Teresa Olson, Angela (Tammy) Ochoa, Nickolas (Kate) Engstrom, Michael (Jackie) Engstrom; great grandchildren, Dash, Marilyn, Mia, KJ, Harrison, Brielle, Noah; special relatives and friends, Ruby Mulligan, Ellitta Gouge, Carolyn Schommer, Ladonna Ironheart, Nancy Savarigo; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Helen Blue; husband, Harvey; siblings, Gerald, Darlene, Carole and Norma.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Pejuhutazizi Presbyterian Church in Upper Sioux Community with visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. Burial followed at the Upper Sioux Community Tribal Cemetery.