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Aug. 2, 1929-Aug. 18, 2026
Fargo and Plaza
LaVonne "Vonnie" Patten was born on August 2, 1929, to Julius and Alma (Solem) Westgard.
Vonnie was raised in Plaza and attended Plaza Public School, graduating in 1947. She continued her education at Trinity School of Nursing in Minot, where she earned her RN degree in 1950. She was an exceptional nurse who provided loving and compassionate care throughout her career.
On June 7, 1953, Vonnie married Robert Patten. They shared more than 70 years of marriage, deeply devoted to one another as they raised their four children on the family farm.
Vonnie was active in her community and generous with her time and talents. She was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church, where she served on several committees, and she also served as a 4-H leader. An avid quilter and excellent seamstress, Vonnie made special quilts and table runners for each of her grandchildren. She was known for her homemade bread and caramel rolls and often mailed care packages filled with bread and treats to her loved ones. She also loved to read and completed the crossword puzzle each day.
Vonnie passed away on August 18, 2026, at a Fargo care facility, surrounded by her family. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved unconditionally. Her quick wit, kind heart, and generous spirit will always be remembered.
Vonnie is survived by her children, Karen (Jerome) Schroeder, Dale (Joy) Patten, Brenda (Bob) Weisenberger, and Daryl (Cheryl) Patten; grandchildren, Jared (Beth), Jenna (Josh), Kendra (Lane), Austin (Kia), Megan, Elle, Samuel, and Kate; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Grant, Emily, Carter, Jordan, Atlas, and Eli; sister, Carol Evenson; sisters-in-law, Connie Patten and Judy Dietrich; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents; her sister, Helen Jorde; and her brothers, Ozzie, Morrie, and Gene Westgard.
Prayer Service: Monday, August 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, Plaza
Funeral: Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Plaza
Interment: East Plaza Cemetery, Plaza
(Langhans Funeral Home, Parshall www.langhans funeralhome.com)
Published by The Minot Daily News, August 22, 2026.