Patricia A. St. Martin
Friday, September 18, 1936
Date of Death:
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Age:
89 years old
Visitation
Date: Monday April 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Memorial Mass
Date: Monday April 27, 2026
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Preston [ view map ]
Friday, September 18, 1936
Date of Death:
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Age:
89 years old
Friday, September 18, 1936
Date of Death:
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Age:
89 years old
Patricia A. St. Martin
Patricia Ann (Cleland) St. Martin, age 89, was born on September 18, 1936, at Northfield City Hospital to Andrew and Susie Cleland. She grew up on a farm with no nearby neighbors, finding companionship in the animals—especially a chicken named Goldie, who was often seen riding along with her on her bike.
Pat was active in 4-H and earned two State Blue Ribbons: one in 1954 for her “Proud Pig” (New Hampshire), which would follow her whenever she carried her cane, and another in 1955 for a Pendleton-style jacket she sewed.
She attended District 126 country school, graduated from Northfield Senior High School, and went on to study for one year at the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture.
In 1955, she married William (Bill) St. Martin of Millersburg, Minnesota. At their wedding dance, she played “When the Saints Go Marching In.” On October 15, 2025, they celebrated 70 years of marriage.
Pat owned and operated a drapery business in Rochester for 25 years. Later, she developed a passion for quilting, creating treasured quilts for each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards—especially Bridge, Euchre, and Hand & Foot—along with socializing with friends, planting flowers, shopping for a good sale, playing games on her iPad, and spending time at the family’s lake home in Motley. For 30 years, Pat and Bill also enjoyed annual vacations, spending two to three weeks at their timeshare near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Pat is survived by her husband of 70 years, Bill; four children: Sandy (Bill) of Northfield; Larry (LaVonne), Bob, and Colleen (Brian), all of Rochester; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Denny of Faribault. She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Allan and Jerry.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 27, 2026, at The Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be in Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Dorothy Day House or Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minnesota.
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Condolences
The family of Patricia A. St. Martin has received the following condolences.
Pat put all heart into her family, friends and donating her time to her community and church. All that knew her are blessed with memories we will forever cherish. Pat loved to sew, and was always working on a special quilt for someone, a labor of love that can be cherished. Pat and Bill opened their hearts and home to Bill's Great niece Chrissy when she was going through a kidney transplant. When she was far from home, she had family, Pat and Bill helped not only her make it through, but all of us. We will miss the late night talks, her witty sense of humor and our adventures. Pat truly lived an amazing life with her husband Bill of 70 years together, they truly are a testament to true love and devotion.
You're now resting in Heaven's Glory.
Always in our hearts and memories,
Lonnie, Kevin & Nikky Deptula/St.Martin, Rex & Chrissy Schaefer/St.Martin
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pat, an active 4-H member, joined Beta of Clovia Sorority on St. Paul Campus of the U of M. She will be honored with other recently deceased sisters during the 2026 Beta of Clovia Founder's Day. 4-H membership was required to join the sorority. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Jan Strand, Rochester, MN
We had the privilege of living close to Bill and Pat on Shamineau Lake. Many enjoyable times were had together. Pat was always such a great hostess. She will be missed greatly. Our sincere condolences.
So sad to hear of Aunt Pat's passing, but am thankful that she lived a long and happy life, such that we could visit from time to time. We saw her last at the Cleland Reunion held last August in North Dayton, MN and chatted for some time to catch up. She was such a reliable and presence, that we assumed we would be seeing her at the next reunion, at least.
Will always remember the family gatherings that were held at her and her husband Uncle Bill's house while I was growing up. Unfortunately, a career in the Navy took our family to the east coast and made it harder to schedule time to spend together.
Also, unfortunately, the distance and my recent hip replacement will prevent our attendance at Aunt Pat's services...
Please accept our deepest condolences from the Virginia branch of the Cleland Family.
Be safe, and God Bless!
Bruce & Bunnie Cleland
Chesapeake, Va