Service Information
Patsy R. (Ekbom) Wright, age 82, of Bloomington, formerly Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington.
Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M., one hour prior to the service, all at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Memorials are preferred to McLeod County Historical Society 380 School Rd NW, Hutchinson, MN 55350.
Obituary
Patsy Ruth (Ekbom) Prieve Wright was born on June 2, 1937, in Oakland, California. She was the daughter of Kenneth and Deane (Booth) Ekbom. Patsy was baptized as an infant and later confirmed at the Methodist Church in Litchfield, Minnesota. She received her education in Litchfield, and was a graduate of the Litchfield High School Class of 1955. She then attended St. Cloud State University.
On August 25, 1956, Patsy was united in marriage to Fredric Prieve at the Methodist Church in Litchfield. This marriage was blessed with three daughters, Kathleen, Beth and Laura. Patsy and Fredric resided in Hutchinson and shared 11 years of marriage together until Fredric passed away in July 1968.
Patsy then started on the next phase of her life raising three children as a single, working mother. She held various positions, each one incorporating more leadership and knowledge. She worked as a secretary at the Bethlehem United Methodist Church and then at Hutchinson High School. Patsy became the administrative assistant at the Crow River Cooperative Center. The next appointment in her working career was as the Director of the McLeod County Museum. During her tenure, the museum moved from a former school in Biscay, to the newly erected McLeod County Historical Society and Museum, dedicated in 1987. Patsy was the enthusiasm and voice of the new museum, a force behind fundraising, local tours, newsletters, and historical spotlights broadcast over KDUZ.
On May 13, 1989, Patsy married Woodrow Wright at the Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. Patsy and Woodrow resided in Hutchinson. They shared six years of marriage until his death in September 1995.
Patsy was an active member of the Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hutchinson where she sang in the church choir and was a member of the United Methodist Women (UMW). After her retirement in 1990, she volunteered at the McLeod Alliance Women’s Shelter and had leadership roles in the UMW Conference at the local and state levels. She always lent a helping hand to others who needed a ride to an appointment, church or shopping. Patsy enjoyed music, crocheting, reading, crossword puzzles, and playing games. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren, and friends.
Patsy became a resident at Presbyterian Homes in Bloomington in 2010, where she passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at the age of 82 years.
Patsy is survived by her:
Daughters, Kathleen Prieve of St. Paul, MN,
Dr. Beth Prieve and her husband, Jeff Hicks, of Syracuse, NY,
Laura Prieve of Bloomington, MN;
Grandchildren, Cody Myers Miller and his wife, Linnea Olson, Vienna Miller Prieve, Lucas Relkin, and Ellena Relkin;
Great-Grandchildren, Annika, Soren, and Finn Olson;
Sister, Joan Paymar and her husband, Alan, of Burnsville, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Patsy is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Ekbom and Deane Hayden; and spouses, Fredric Prieve and Woodrow Wright; Sons-in-law, Michael Miller and Evan Relkin.
Brian Haines says
Our sympathies to the family of Patsy Prieve Wright. Several years ago, Patsy was the Director of the McLeod County Historical Society and Museum. She was very involved in the move from the old museum at the Biscay School to the current location a0 380 School RD NW. Thank you Patsy for all of you service.
Tory Cary says
To Patsy’s family. Patsy was a wonderful friend. Kind, compassionate, loving. She was a delightful neighbor, down the hall from me at Ridgeview Terrace. I loved her dearly and could not have wanted for a better friend. My love goes out to all of you during this time.
lovingly,
Tory Cary
Bonnie says
Caring thoughts to all of Patsy’s friends and family from the ladies who love and care about JoAn, Patsy’s sister.
William "Bill" Taylor says
So many memories going back to the late 1940’s From District 85 – rides to church –
all the memories of the farm just east of ours – the joy of sharing greetings and memories over the years.
Patsy will be missed by family and friends. Sending prayers of love and comfort to the entire family and especially her sister Joan.
Jeanette Bening says
I am sorry I won’t be able to join you for the memorial service for your mom. I only knew her recently as a volunteer at the McLeod Alliance for the Victims of Domestic Violence. We worked together on preparing the quarterly newsletter for mailing. She and Beverly had a shared history and I enjoyed hearing their stories of the past.
Barbara and Ralph Moll says
Kathy, Beth and Laura, Had not heard of your mom’s death until now. I was trying to call her and found her phone
disconnected. Was looking for Laura’s phone number to get in touch, and this obituary,etc came up. As you know, we were very good friends in Hutch and had many good times together. She was involved in my meeting my husband, Ralph and sang at our wedding. After moving to Burnsville, we just heard from each other at Christmas. Last year we made contact and went for lunch. Didn’t realize there was a severe health problem at that time. You have our most sincere sympathy. Ralph and Barbara (Barb) Moll