Patricia Karen Wirth

Patricia “Pat” Wirth, 79, Detroit Lakes, MN, died Monday, January 19, 2026 at Sunnyside Care Center, Lake Park, MN, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Pat was born on September 9, 1946, in Fergus Falls, MN, the daughter of Gordon and Myrtle (Bergerud) Finkelson. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1964. She attended nursing school in Crookston, MN and graduated in 1965 with her LPN license. Over the years she went on to work at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo, St. Ansgar Hospital in Moorhead, MN. She married Roy Martinson on October 1, 1966. Pat and Roy were blessed with two children, Melissa and Chad. Pat left nursing for a brief time to spend time with her children. Pat was then employed with United Tool Supply and Glidden Paint in Fargo, ND.

Pat moved to Detroit Lakes, MN in 1987. Pat decided to return to nursing and completed her LPN recertification. She started working at St. Mary’s Hospital nursery in 1988. She was united in marriage to Rick Wirth on April 28,1990. Pat and Rick lived on a farm North of Detroit Lakes where she had a large garden which contributed to her love of canning. In 2004 Pat and Rick moved to their forever home on Sauer Lake. Pat loved her flower gardens and fishing in the summer with Rick. In 2008 Pat left the hospital and went to Sunnyside Care Center until her retirement in 2013.

Pat was famously known for her lasagna, caramel rolls, cross stitch and her love of giving Christmas ornaments each year to her children and later her grandchildren.

Pat is survived by her husband, Rick; her children, Melissa (Dan) Zongker, Stacey (David) Juhnke, Travis (Gena) Wirth; daughter-in-law, Jennifer (Trent) Martinson. Grandchildren, Allyson (Arlo) Baritono, Brandon Kuznia, Jacob Kuznia, Tate (Jared) Martinson, Kiah (Draven) Martinson, Kelsey (Brandon Bunnis) Juhnke, Austin (Jennifer Luehring) Juhnke, McKenna Juhnke, Zach (Jessica) Beam, Austin (Samantha) Beam, Brandon Sullens and Tarin (Austin Amundsen) Wirth. Great Grandchildren, Emilia Jane Baritono, Gunnarr, Eveelynn and Maddix Bunnis, Graysyn and Hudson Juhnke, Colten Beam, Cyrus and Isabell Martin and Finley Amundsen. Brother, Dale Finkelson, her Niece Anna (Andrew) Parker and Nephew Anders Finkelson. Pat is also survived by her brother and sisters-in-law Rachel Nolte, Rodney and Shirley Wirth, Robyn and Wayne Nordby; and many nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Gordon and Myrtle; her infant brother, Michael; and her son, Chad; mother-in-law, Velma Wirth and brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Bernice Wirth.

Service for Pat will be at the West-Kjos Funeral Home, 900 Summit Ave in Detroit Lakes, MN on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association.