Helen "Pat" Markwardt

Helen "Pat" Markwardt, age 92, of May Township, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and the nature she so adored.

Born on November 14, 1932, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Pat was the cherished daughter of Walter and Helen (Wright) Harris. She spent her formative years in Minneapolis, graduating from Edina High School in 1951 before attending the University of Minnesota to pursue a degree in elementary education. It was there that a PHD student on the GI bill named Rick Markwardt walked into her life—using the clever excuse of not being able to afford a textbook to sit beside her in class and spend time together “sharing” that book. Rick recalls they spent lots of time in the library but much of it was looking at Charles Adam’s books and laughing, not studying. That playful beginning led to a lifetime of love, and the two were married on July 28, 1957, at Hennepin United Methodist Church in Minneapolis.

In the early years of their marriage, Pat taught kindergarten with the same warmth, energy, and creativity that she would later share with her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Pat and Rick lived in Minneapolis near the University, then St. Cloud, where Rick taught at St. Cloud State University, before moving back to South Minneapolis in 1967. Finally, they spent the last 43 years in the home of their dreams on the shores of Square Lake.

A true lover of the outdoors, Pat found joy and renewal in nature. She loved to hike, swim, ski (on water and snow), canoe and kayak down the rapids of many rivers. One of her true passions was planning and working in her ever expanding gardens where she would spend full days planting and weeding especially during the last several summers. Her precious kitties would watch her in the garden, accompany her as far as they could on walks and then snuggle with her on the couch. She always wanted at least one cat in her life.

A true Minnesotan, she loved all seasons. Raking in the spring and fall and of course shoveling in the winter gave her satisfaction and delight. She was very territorial about her shoveling and did not appreciate ‘help’. She found being snowed in for 3 days one winter, quite an enjoyable time.

For 35 years, she volunteered as a naturalist guide at Warner Nature Center—a role that beautifully blended her passion for the environment and her love of teaching children. Whether it was birds, trees, fish, frogs, or turtles, Pat found wonder in every living thing and delighted in sharing that sense of awe with the next generations.

Pat had the gift of gab. She loved time with friends and considered no one a stranger. Keeping connections with family and friends was always very important to her, as well as making new friends and acquaintances wherever she went. She greatly valued serving others, giving her time by volunteering in the schools, a clothing distribution center and leading afterschool groups and classes. She loved creating, and tried her hand at painting, batik, knitting and needlework.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life. Pat made every visit special—planning crafts, activities, and magical adventures that made each child feel seen, loved, and treasured. Whether playing in the lake, turtle hunting, building snow forts, painting bird houses or going for ice cream cones, they loved their time together. She and Rick also gave each grandchild a special gift: trips across North America, creating unforgettable memories and deepening their special bond.

Together, Pat and Rick traveled the world—exploring most of the United States, Canada, and much of the world, with favorite journeys to Alaska and New Zealand. No matter where they went, Pat brought a spirit of curiosity, joy, and resilience. Even as she faced medical challenges over the years, she remained remarkably active and full of life until her final weeks.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Helen. She will be profoundly missed by her loving husband of 68 years, Rick; her devoted children, Ann (Dave) Enright, Tom (Chris) Markwardt, and Amy (Brett) Edstrom; beloved grandchildren, Tommy (Heather) Enright, Logan (Courtney) Enright, Alyssa Enright, Caitlyn Enright, Matthew Markwardt, Sarah Markwardt, Stefanie Markwardt, and Amanda (Seth Pierre) Edstrom; and great-grandchildren, Kellie Ann Enright, Titus Enright, Marcus Enright, and Taliah Enright. She is also remembered fondly by extended family and dear friends whose lives she touched so deeply.

Pat lived a life of intention, wonder, and warmth—a legacy that lives on in the beauty of the natural world she loved and the hearts of all who loved her.

The family will greet friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to https://wildriversconservancy.org