Obituary for Patricia Carrigan Marschalk

Patricia Joan “Patty” Marschalk, age 53, of Maple Grove, MN, passed away peacefully at her home on August 10, 2018, with family at her side.

Small in stature, but big in heart, Patty was well known for her steadfast commitment to her family, thoughtful acts of kindness to all who knew her, and her ability to experience joy in adventures with friends and family. Her beautiful smile, laughter that could light up a room, and genuine concern for others will never be forgotten.

Patty was born March 1, 1965 in Aurora, IL, to Charles Edward and Gay Edens Carrigan. Raised in Sycamore, IL, Patty graduated from Sycamore High School, where she was active in many extracurricular activities. Patty attended Iowa State University where she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in marketing and accounting, then went on to obtain her CPA license. Following her marriage to Thomas Marschalk in 1988, she moved to Minnesota and continued her accounting career at Deloitte & Touche, Piper Jaffray, and most recently as controller at Security Life.

Patty was predeceased by her father, Ed Carrigan, and a sister, Jeanne Marie. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Thomas; four children, Kelly (Michael) Magnus, Scott, Katelyn and Sean; mother, Gay Edens Carrigan; four siblings, Terri (Robert) Anderson, Anne (Michael) McMillan, Edward (Amy) Carrigan and Michael Carrigan; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Patty on Saturday, September 15th at 11 a.m. at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, St. Martin Campus, in Rogers, MN, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A reception for family and friends will follow the services.

Patty’s unwavering conviction for never giving up on a goal, a worthy cause, or someone she believed in, was central throughout her life. In fighting her battle with pancreatic cancer for more than three years, Patty defied the odds time and time again, and inspired all who knew her with her strength, positivity and determination. She embraced the color purple and stepped up to Wage Hope with “Patty’s Posse” at PanCAN PurpleStride events.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Patty’s memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org