Patricia Anne Swangler, lovingly known as "Pat", of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on December 29, 2025, at the age of 84.

Pat was born on July 14, 1941, in Crookston, Minnesota to Charles and Edna (Carlson) Benson. She graduated from East Grand Forks Sacred Heart High School in 1959 and went on to build a life rooted in family, faith, friendship, and service.

On April 29, 1961, Pat was united in marriage to Frank Swangler. Together they shared 64 years of marriage and raised five children, all within  39 months of one another. Pat and Frank enjoyed attending UND football and hockey games, snowmobiling, spending time at their lake trailer in Ulands, traveling in their RV, playing cards, and winning at Bingo.  Showing true devotion, Pat supported Frank's love of auto racing.  Pat never liked to sit still. Throughout her life, she stayed busy putting her organizational skills to use, seeking new adventures, making new friends, and generously volunteering her time.

Cooking and baking were Pat's love languages. She delighted in preparing meals for groups, family gatherings, and special occasions. She would whip up breakfast over an open fire at the lake, and she never arrived at a campground or gathering without homemade treats to share. Christmas was particularly special to Pat; baking for the holidays and finding just the right Christmas sweater to wear. Pat was also known as "The Hat Lady" for her love of wearing hats.

Pat worked for 29 years at the University of North Dakota Food Services, where she especially enjoyed serving at presidential events and catering for special occasions. She was deeply involved in St. Michael's Church and the Altar Society, which helped establish St. Michael Camp on Lakes Union and Sara, and she was a strong supporter of the Knights of Columbus.

Pat is survived by her husband, Frank Swangler; her children: Mari (Jeff) Podd of Las Vegas, Nevada; John (Teena) Swangler of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Tom (Aimee) Swangler of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Bill (Susan) Swangler of Fargo, North Dakota; and Amy Peppin of Grand Forks, North Dakota; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Mike (Nancy) Benson, Pam Suedel, Paulette (Richard) Suedel, Priscilla (Doug) Thomsen, and Tom (Carla) Benson; and her sisters-in-law, Winona Benson and Joann Benson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings John (Dot) Benson, Richard Benson, Prudence Nelson, and Eric Benson; and her parents-in-law, R.P. and Evelyn (Corcoran) Swangler.

Pat's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Pat's care givers for their individualized care and for the respect and dignity shown to Pat. Their compassionate end-of-life care was deeply meaningful to both Pat and her family.

Memorial Mass: 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026 in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.  Following the Mass, a luncheon will be served in the church basement.
Family Greeting : One hour prior to the Memorial Mass in the church on Saturday.
Following the Mass: A Celebration of Life will continue from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 227 10th St. NW in East Grand Forks, Minnesota with interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery in East Grand Forks.

In honor of Pat, we ask that you wear your favorite hat to her Celebration of Life.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer Association.