Patricia Raye Elwood

Patricia Elwood, age 88, of Mankato, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Laurels Peak Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, Minnesota. Funeral Services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. Interment will follow in the Marshall Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, also at the Hamilton Funeral Home.

Patricia Raye Anderson was born on December 21, 1937, in Marshall, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Orval and Florence (Larson) Anderson. Pat grew up in Marshall where she was baptized as an infant and confirmed in her youth. After graduating from Marshall High School with the class of 1955, Pat was united in marriage to Donald VanWatermeulen in Marshall.

The couple farmed near Marshall before moving to Illinois in the mid-1960s. They had six children together and in 1966, following her divorce from Don, Pat moved back to Saint Peter, Minnesota. It was there that she met Mr. Duane Elwood. They were married in August 1975 and made their home in Mankato where they welcomed her seventh child. She and Duane divorced but remained quite close in the years that would follow.

Pat worked in the hospitality industry, primarily as a waitress in Saint Peter and at the Viking Inn in Mankato. She was politically active in the community and a strong advocate for the Minnesota Valley Action Council. Pat was a faithful member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Mankato and her other enjoyments included fishing, camping, time spent outdoors, the occasional game of Cribbage, reading western books, and caring for her rescued cats.

Patricia Elwood died peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Mankato, Minnesota. She reached the age of 88 years, 2 months, and 18 days. Blessed be her memory.

She is survived by her seven children, Steven (and Lisa) VanWatermeulen of Cambridge, IL, Debra VanWatermeulen of Lucan, Donald VanWatermeulen of Sweet Home, OR, Laurie (and Loren) Fales of Taunton, Kimberly VanWatermeulen of Bonanza, OR, Jonathan VanWatermeulen of Orion, IL, Brenda Elwood (and Dario Mulholland) of Alameda, CA; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Orval & Florence Anderson, and 3 siblings, Keith Anderson, Janice Lawrence, and Eldon Anderson.