Patti Ann (Waite) Swanson

Patti A. (Waite) Swanson, age 71, of Elk River, passed away peacefully, with her husband by her side, on July 31, 2024, after complications from a brain infection. 

Patti was born January 27, 1953 to Chester “Ted” and Ione Waite. She was raised in Elk River, and graduated from Elk River High School in 1972. She married Jim Swanson on May 26, 1973, at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, in Nashua, Iowa. They lived in Zimmerman for about a year after they got married, but then moved back to Elk River, where she spent the remainder of her years. Patti was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, friend, boss, co-worker, and neighbor. 

Patti had an adventurist spirit, which is evident from her variety of jobs and careers including: realtor; traveling notary; manager at Cenex Convenience Store; business owner of Dino’s Pizza, Perfect Image for your Body, and The Clothing Round-Up; car salesperson at Cloverleaf Motors; cosmetologist; and Don’s Bakery, to name a few. 

Patti enjoyed traveling and playing cards, but one of her greatest joys was spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

Patti was preceded in death by her parents, Chester “Ted” and Ione Waite; sisters, Delores Morton-Morin; brothers, “Jim” and “Jud” Waite; and infant sister, Mary Waite.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Swanson, of 51 years; sister, Donna (Donald) Rahn; daughters, Jody (Bob) Birdsall and Missy Mitzel; step-daughter, Amy Wiskur; grandchildren, Taylor Meneley, Tanner Meneley, Peyton Mitzel, Jake (Kaylee) Wiskur and Matthew (Alexandria) Wiskur; foreign exchange daughter, Iliana Salinas; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, August 6 at 10:30 AM at The Church of Saint Andrew, 566 4th St. NW, Elk River, MN. Visitation will take place at the church, 2 hours prior to the Mass (8:30-10:30 AM), followed by interment at St. Andrew Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dare’s Funeral Home of Elk River MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralhome.com

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