Patricia Jean (Ricketts) Kamphenkel

Patricia Kamphenkel passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022, at the Fairview Senior Living Center in Sauk Centre. She was 96 years old.

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Peace United Methodist Church in Long Prairie at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, prior to the service at the church. 

Patricia Jean was born on July 21, 1925, to Harry and Mildred (Pentz) Ricketts of Douglas, North Dakota. Patty attended country grade schools and Clarissa Schools until she attended and graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1944.  While in high school, she met and dated Don Kamphenkel.  Following high school graduation, she attended business college in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and was employed as a financial secretary.  She married Don Kamphenkel on May 12, 1951, at the Methodist church in Long Prairie. Following their marriage, they lived for a time in Alabama where Don was in the Army.  Following his discharge, the couple lived in Henning, Minnesota, and Wadena, Minnesota, before making their home In Long Prairie.  The couple was blessed with two children, James and Donna.  Patty enjoyed spending time with her children and making a comfortable, happy home for her family.  She was an avid gardener of both flowers and vegetables, making lovely floral arrangements and canning many fruits and vegetables.  She especially enjoyed her grandchildren, attending their activities, and spending time with them whenever possible.

Pat was an active member of the Zion United church of Christ in Long Prairie and was a volunteer with the local food pantry there.  Together, Pat and Don enjoyed playing cards with friends and loved to go dancing.

Patricia passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022, at Fairway Pines Assisted Living in Sauk Centre at the age of 96 years and 9 months.  She is survived by her children, James (Robin) Kamphenkel of Sauk Centre and Donna (John) Alvarez of Mandan, North Dakota, her grandchildren, Jaime Kamphenkel, Briana Kamphenkel, Brady Kamphenkel, Wade (Jacque) Alvarez, Casie (Chris) Aufenthie, and Taylor (Gretchen) Lambrecht.  She was blessed with six great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister, Beverly Hansen and Bev’s children Nancy Rudie, Daniel (Linda) Hansen, Wayne (Vicki) Hansen, niece and nephews Karen (Marty) Jenkins, and Allen (Cheryl) Rosenow, along with many grand nieces and nephew.

Patty was preceded in death by her husband, Donald (2020), her parents, Harry and Mildred Ricketts, and nephews Bruce Rosenow and Rick Hansen.

Patty’s memorial service was held on Saturday, May 21st at Peace United Church in Long Prairie with Pastor Jacob Holck officiating. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Long Prairie.

Arrangements were made by Iten Funeral Home in Browerville.

Blessed be her memory!

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