Patrice Den Hartog

Elmer and June Den Hartog (nee Kwikkel) welcomed Patrice Yvonne Den Hartog, and her twin Patric, to this world on April 22, 1950 in Sheldon, Iowa.   Patty was a happy, social child who attended Sheldon Elementary and High School and had many friends. She loved spending time with her extended families on both her Dad’s and her Mom’s side, and spending family Sundays and holidays on Lake Okoboji. As a teenager, she was a member of the International Order of Rainbow Girls in Sheldon, Iowa and was elected to serve as Worthy Advisor.  She graduated high school in 1968 and spent a year in New York living with her sister, Pam, and working for Travelers’ Insurance.  She returned to NW Iowa where she married Lyle Madsen and had two sons, Justin and Zachary.  Patty, Justin, and Zachary stayed in Minnesota after her divorce from Lyle. Along with being a dedicated mother, she had a very successful career in marketing, merchandising, and account management for different companies, including several of her own. Patty attended Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Alexandria for many years, and was an active volunteer for the church. She loved living in Alexandria, MN and her home on Lake Carlos.

Patty could sing a sweet melody or rock-and-roll, tell a good story (even about herself), and enjoyed being with her family and friends. She welcomed every opportunity to decorate for a holiday, make her famous fried chicken and milk gravy, or special Norwegian food to celebrate her sons’ heritage.  The memory of her wide smile, enthusiasm, and infectious, hearty laugh will be greatly missed and cherished by her family.

Patty passed away on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 surrounded by family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her father, Elmer Marvin Den Hartog.

She is survived by her sons, Justin and Zachary Madsen; daughter-in-law May Madsen; three grandchildren, Sebastian, Spencer and Abigail Madsen; mother, June Den Hartog; brothers, Patric and Craig Den Hartog; sister, Pam Den Hartog; sister-in-law, Patsy Den Hartog, and five nieces and nephews, Tina and Marc Den Hartog, Melissa Farr, and Jameson and Bryan Den Hartog.

Visitation will occur on Friday, October 5, 2018 from 4-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. A Celebration of Patty’s Life will be held Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 11AM at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 602 12th Ave E. in Alexandria, with visitation starting one hour prior at the church.