Patricia Jane Mechelke

Patricia J. Mechelke, 88, of Outing, MN, passed away peacefully, after a short battle with cancer, on January 25, 2014 at her home surrounded by family. Pat was born in Saint Paul, MN on September 29, 1925 to Hal and Jane Tallant. She attended and graduated from Mahtomedi High School where she and her husband began going "steady" in her sophomore year. She also was Homecoming Queen of her sophomore class. Glen and Pat moved to Outing, MN in 1949. They started pounding nails on the South Shore of a Bay on Lake Washburn. The only existing building on the entire bay was a small cabin. They named their new venture Birch Bay Lodge. Much of Pat's life was spent making people happy at Birch Bay Lodge. After most people knew of Pat's illness, she received a message from one of the young men who spent many vacations at Birch Bay. It was as follows, "I am inspired to write to thank you for the gift you have been in my life, and the lives of so many others. You are such a kind and thoughtful person and have been a gracious host to all you have welcomed to the little piece of heaven on Earth that so many affectionately call "Birch Bay". Thanks to you and Glen, golden memories have been made by countless people over the years. On behalf of them all, thank you. You are a wonderful example of what it looks like to follow your heart and pursue your dreams and generations of families have been blessed by your doing so. Yes, good and faithful servant you have done your job and have done it very, very well. Thank you." Pat was very involved in the beginning years of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and spent many years working with the youth group at Our Savior's and Bethany Lutheran in Remer. She was also active with the women's auxiliary. Pat also compiled "The History of Crooked Lake Township", which was published in the 100 Year Cass County Heritage Book. Pat is survived by Glen, husband of 68 years, daughters Judy (Bob) Seidel of Eureka, MT, Barb (Larry) Carstens of Outing, MN, Kim (Dave) Hughes of Outing, MN. 9 Grandchildren Jeff (Beth) Seidel, Tim (Kim) Seidel, Stacey (Shaun) McKinney, Jessica (Justin) Chalich, Sara (Chris) Smith, Joshua Morris, Scott Carstens, Erin Hughes, Derek Hughes, 21 great grandchildren, and other family and friends. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Hal and Jane Tallant, In-laws Ed and Alice Mechelke, brother Tom Tallant and aunt Anna Laudon. A memorial service will be held on 2 pm Sat., February 8, 2014 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Outing. Visitation will be at the church at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be given to Northland Area Family Center, Remer, MN, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Outing, MN or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home, Crosby, MN.