Patricia “Pat” Molde, 79, Byron

Patricia Molde, 79, of rural Byron, passed away on Tuesday , Oct. 27, 2020, from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, at Meadow Lakes Senior Living in Rochester, where she had resided for the past two years.
Patricia Correen Strain was born on March 10, 1941 to Allen and Leona (O’Brien) Strain, at home, in Kalmer Township, Olmsted County. She was the 11th child born into a family of 13 children.  
She graduated from Byron High School in 1959. While attending a dance at the Pla-Mor Ballroom in Rochester, Pat met Charles “Chuck” Molde. After a three-month courtship, they were married on Oct. 6, 1962 at the United Methodist Church in Byron.  
The couple lived in Rochester for a short time before moving to rural Byron. They bought a small hobby farm where they raised their daughters and lived happily for 50 years. In 1966, Pat started her career at Mayo Clinic and worked there until retirement in January of 2000. Chuck was a longtime employee at CATCO in Rochester until his retirement.  He passed away on Jan. 23, 2017.
When Pat married Chuck, she would be introduced to the horse world. The “horse” world led to years of family enjoyment and participation in horse show events throughout southeastern Minnesota. Pat took great pride in sewing her daughters “western” attire for their events and worked many hours “behind the scenes.”
Her love of sewing would lead her to the joy of quilting. She was a member of the WELCA “Quilting Sisters” and Circle 4 at East St. Olaf. The friendships formed, the laughter shared, along with making quilts is a memory Pat treasured. 
She was so proud of every completed quilting project. Pat was confirmed, as an adult, at East St Olaf Lutheran Church. Being a member at East St. Olaf Church, was a big part of Chuck and Pat’s life. They both worked to promote the lutefisk dinner while working many, many hours in preparation of the dinner. Pat was a member of the Heritage Committee and she participated in the restoration of the Tverberg Cabin.   
Pat loved attending family events, going to every grandchild event, meeting with friends, neighbors and being part of the Strain breakfast club. Her family enjoyed the benefits of her beautiful flower gardens, her apple trees, vegetable gardens and  famous pumpkin patches. The house was always decorated for the holidays, especially Christmas. Her famous molasses cookies became her son-in-law’s favorites.
After being diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear  Palsy, Pat kept her faith. On Oct. 27, 2020, the angels came and Pat no longer suffers from such a horrible debilitating neurological disease.  Heaven is now her home. To the staff at Meadow Lakes and Seasons Hospice we are so grateful for all you have done. You also have been on this journey with “Mom.” Your kindness and love will not be forgotten.
Pat is survived by her daughters, Dawn (Mark) Grande and LeAnn (Lonnie) Larson both of Rochester, two grandchildren, Dylan and Abbey Larson, three step-grandchildren, Elizabeth Grande, Consuela (Joshua) Richardson and Matthew Grande;  two step great-grandchildren and four step great-great grandchildren; siblings Gerald (Lorraine) Strain of Gilman City, Mo., Rollo (Betty) Strain of Rochester, Tom (Mary Jo) Strain of Millville, Rosemary Lutzi and Alyce DeYoung of Rochester. She is also survived by one sister-in-law ,Barbara Molde  of Hastings; two brothers-in-law, Terry (Jane) Molde and Monte (Carol) Molde, both of Menomonie, Wis and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, her parents; siblings Kenneth, Lyle, James, Joseph and Mary Strain, Marcella Bale and Mary Lou Dilworth, three sister in laws and seven brothers-in-law.   
A private family funeral  service  for  Pat was held Nov. 2, 2020 at East St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Rock Dell with Rev. Paul Thompson officiating. Burial and a committal service followed in the church cemetery. The family suggests memorials to East St. Olaf Lutheran Church or Seasons Hospice. The memorials may be mailed to:  East St Olaf Church, 6200 County Road 3 SW, Byron MN  55920 or Seasons Hospice, 1696 Greenview Drive SW, Rochester MN  55902.
Arrangements are with Griffin–Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Pat are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com. Blessed be her memory.