Mary "Pat" Bisek, age 91 of Mahnomen, MN, died Wednesday, December 08, 2010 at the Mahnomen Health Center.

Mary Patricia Hart, the daughter of Albert and Josephine (Swartz) Hart, was born on May 23, 1919 in Detroit Lakes, MN. As a young girl she lived in La Garde Township, near Waubun, MN, and attended Hart Country School. When she was in the third grade, Pat moved with her family to Bemidji, MN, where they lived for a few years before returning to the Waubun area. After graduating from Waubun High School in 1936, Pat continued her education in Crookston, MN. She first worked for a short time with the Mahnomen County Extension Agency then became an employee of the Mahnomen County Welfare Office. On February 4, 1941 Pat was united in marriage to Paul Bisek Jr. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. She continued to work for the welfare office until their first son was born. Pat then spent her time as an active farmwife doing the milking, raising poultry, and extensive gardening, all while raising their fourteen children. In 1976, Pat and Paul built a new home on the farm where they enjoyed their retirement. After Paul's death in 2003, Pat continued to live at home until a couple weeks ago when she entered the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Pat and Paul loved to travel, taking many trips throughout the United States and often visited family in Oregon. They were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit countries abroad including: Indonesia, Belize, Bali, Mexico, and many others. They were very active in the DFL party serving as county chairs and delegates. They were also active with Farmers Union and looked forward to attending the National Convention each year. Pat was recognized as the Homemaker of the Year in 1981 and together, Pat and Paul were honored as Valley Farmer and Homemaker of the Year in 1984.

Pat has always been very involved in the community and volunteer organizations. Since she was a teenage, she participated in 4-H and had continued her involvement even this last summer at the county fair. She was a member of the County Aging Board for the Mahnomen Area, the Red Hatters, Homemakers, Mahnomen County Historical Society and Senior Young at Heart. She was an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and served with the Ladies Aide, Foresters and Catholic Daughters. Pat was a supporter of St. Michael's Catholic School and many other charitable groups. In addition to all of her community work, Pat also had a passion for gardening, reading and a true love of learning.


Pat is survived by seven sons: Paul (Johanna) of Palatine, IL, Jim (Ginny) of St. Cloud, MN, Eugene (Sharon) of Mahnomen, John (Mickie) of St. Paul, MN, Ray (Bonnie Spaeth) of Mahnomen, Andy (Anita) of Preston, MN, and Jeff (Nancy) of Mahnomen; five daughters: Kathy (Bob) Holl of Waubun, MN, Ann Lindblom of Mahnomen, Debra (Tim) Gerber of Mendota Heights, MN, Marion (Roger) Anderson of Edina, MN, and Theresa Bisek of St. Cloud; one daughter-in-law, Pam Bisek of Oregon, WI; one brother, Tom (Leona) Hart of Tigard, OR; three sisters: Jo Schuster and Betty Murray both of King City, OR, and Babs (Ollie) Winczewski of Tigard, OR; and five sisters-in-law: Virginia Hart of King City, Delores Hart of Portland, OR, Beatrice Dusek of Mahnomen, Gloria Bisek of Crosby, MN, and Babe Christianson of Ulen, MN. Pat is also survived by 42 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.


She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul; two sons: Patrick and Joseph Bisek; a daughter-in-law, Betsy Bisek; a son-in-law, Kent Lindblom; one granddaughter, Tonia Holl; her sister, Dorny Johnson; and two brothers, Jim and Bill Hart.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2:00 pm on Monday, December 13, 2010 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen.

Concelebrating was Father Rick Lambert and Father Mario Prada. The pianist was Gina Worms with Carol Buschette as song leader. Serving as pallbearers were all of Pat's grandchildren and honorary pallbearers were the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Justin 2020 and the National Catholic Society of Foresters Court 342. Visitation was held on Sunday, December 12th at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 3:00 pm and Rosary to follow. Dave Kochmann provided special music and the Rosary was led by the Catholic Daughters of the American Court St. Justin 2020. Visitation was also at the church one hour prior to the funeral on Monday.

Interment was at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen.