On the morning of January 10, 2024, Patt (age 86) peacefully concluded her seven-year battle with breast cancer in the embrace of her home, surrounded by family. No one faced this journey with more sheer will and determination than she did. Her extraordinary resolve to remain with her family and friends manifested through relentless rounds of treatment to extend her life. Patt approached her diagnosis with inspiring courage, relying on her abiding faith, the reunion with her son Tim, the vision of being whole again with Jesus, and the comforting presence of her husband, the love of her life.
Patt (Patsy) was born August 3, 1937, at Union Hospital in New Ulm, Minn., to Edward and Olive Volinkaty. She was the oldest of four children. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lafayette, Minn. She attended Lafayette grade school and was a 1955 graduate of New Ulm High School.
In January 1956, Patt met Orville (freshly returned from military service) during the Miss New Ulm Queen Pageant, a Benny Goodman ballroom event. Their connection led to marriage just eight months later, and for 66 years, they danced through life together, starting in New Ulm and later moving to Caledonia after Orville’s career change to the Minnesota State Patrol. Patt’s life was marked by resilience and creativity. She embraced various ventures, from owning a second-hand store, “The Attic,” to a young women’s clothing store, “American Girl.” Later, she dedicated 14 years to tutoring reading and phonics at St. John’s Lutheran school, leaving a lasting impact on the children she worked with. In 1974, she became Caledonia’s first Community Education director, building the program from scratch on her kitchen and dining room tables. Her success extended to mentorship roles for other counties, earning her the title of Minnesota Community Education Director of the Year in 1988. After retiring in 1997, Patt and Orv enjoyed winters in Ixtapa, Mexico, forming lasting friendships and, upon “retirement,” acquiring a lake cabin in Birchwood, Wis. Patt continued to be a gracious host, sharing joy with friends and extended family. Patt’s influence extended beyond her professional accomplishments. She remained deeply engaged with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always thoughtful and generous.
Patt is preceded in death by her parents Edward and Olive Volinkaty, son Timothy, sister and brother-in-law Karen and LeRoy Youngblom, brother and sister-in-law John (Jack) and Judy (Volinkaty) Bickel, sister Susan (Colin) Quinn, and niece Karla Youngblom.
Survived by husband of 66 years, Orville Guth; daughter Catherine Guth Gray (Jeff), son Eric Guth (Sue Ann), grandchildren Jordan Guth (Yanire), Sophia Beyer (Tristan), McKenzie Bowman and Alexis Gray; and three great-grandchildren.
On behalf of Patt’s family, we are deeply thankful for the astonishing support and love that has been extended to Patt and her family during her illness. We are at a loss as how to express our gratefulness and appreciation to the community of unsung known and unknown acts of kindness and support for our family
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 20, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Caledonia. Pastor Tom Schultz will officiate and burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Caledonia. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church before the service. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, is assisting the family.