He was born in Langdon, ND to William and Teresa Klemisch, the seventh of ten children and graduated from St. Alphonsus School. After
attending a summer course, he started teaching in one-room schools at Vang, Byron, and Grand Prairie, ND. He was drafted into the army and served in Korea as the radio operator for the colonel of the HQ Command. When discharged, Patrick returned home and continued his education at Valley City Teachers College. In 1958, he married Retta Westphal. They had one daughter.
After graduating from college, he accepted a position in Thief River Falls, where he taught for 32 years. During his career, he received the Teacher of the Year Award and the Outstanding Young Educator Award. He and his co-workers implemented the first departmentalized program for 5th and 6th graders in the state. He loved his students and often referred to them as “his kids.”
Patrick could always be found with at least one book of tickets in his pocket for an organization he supported. He was active in the Elks, Eagles, American Legion, VFW, area coin clubs and Newfolden Rod and Gun Club. He was a Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus and would sell over 100 books of tickets for their annual fishing derby. He founded the Northland Area Sports Association and raised money for scholarships to student athletes attending Northland Community College. He was also inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2004.
Patrick is survived by his wife of 66 years, Retta; daughter, Lori (Paul) Mauser; grandchildren, Sarah and Anthony (Jo); sister, Audre (Bennet) Spenst; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Catherine (Raymond) Chaput, Margaret (Odin) Swanson, Lucille (Romeo) Gamache, Robert (Delores), Joseph (Arlene), Theodore (Vangie), Nancy (Oliver) Boldt, and James (Darlene).
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Church of the Risen Savior Catholic Church in Burnsville, with a gathering for family and friends an hour before Mass.
Interment will be on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.
Arrangements are being made through White Funeral Home in Apple Valley, www.whitefuneralhomes.com.
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Patrick Klemisch, 90
