Patricia "Patsy" Villebrun Nielsen, age 71, of Twin Valley, MN, died Saturday, September 11, 2021, in her home in Twin Valley with family and under Hospice Care of the Red River Valley.  She lived with COPD for five long years but still enjoyed going out and enjoying life with family and friends.

Patricia Villebrun was born August 21, 1950, in White Earth, MN, the oldest child of Myrtle (Villebrun) Benson but was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Mary and Joseph Villebrun.  Her youth was spent growing up on the White Earth Reservation with her many cousins like siblings.  As a young lady, Patsy moved to Minneapolis, MN, and met Peter Pajari and together they were blessed with a daughter, Ronda.  A couple years later, Patsy met the love of her life, James Nielsen.  In 1977, they built a home in Delano, MN, and were united in marriage.  James and Patsy welcomed a son, Eric, to the family.  They continued to make their home in Delano until 1990 when the couple divorced.  However, they remained friends and neither of them remarried.  She moved around before settling down in Twin Valley for the past 10 years.

Patricia will be remembered by many as a strong, independent woman who was known to always help others.  She enjoyed being on a bowling league, which is where she met her lifelong best friend, Delaine Duran.  Patsy had many hobbies that kept her busy as well as playing cards with family, crafting, making dream catchers, and traveling.  She visited many states and looked forward to the White Earth Pow Wow every summer.  A few of her other favorite places included the Renaissance Festival, the 4 ^th of July parade and carnival in Delano and of course the numerous casinos she visited.  Patsy will be missed by many but live on in their hearts forever.

Patricia is survived by her children, Ronda (Ronald) Larson and Eric (Wendy) Nielsen both of Delano; five grandchildren; Trysha, Victoria, Kayla, RJ and Treyten; three great-grandchildren: Hazel, Kassondra and Amaria; two brothers, Tim (Cheryl) Rindahl of Naytahwaush, MN, and Troy Benson of Pound, Virginia; two sisters, Darcy Staples of Mahnomen and Angelique (Nathaniel) Hilton of Twin Valley; nieces and nephews: Jay, Chad, Chantelle, Kimberly, Nell, Angela, Amanda, Timothy, Cody, Trysta, Tiara, Robert and Sebastien and many great nieces, nephews ,extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mom; grandparents; brothers, Maynard Rindahl Jr. and Alan Rindahl; fathers of her children, James Nielsen and Peter Pajari, and niece, Nicole Rindahl.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 17, 2021, at 11 am at the White Earth Community Center with visitation beginning Thursday, September 16 ^th at 5 pm and going until the time of the funeral at the community center.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, and CDC guidelines, social distancing will be practiced.