Patricia Howitz

Patricia “Pat” A. Howitz, 91, passed away peacefully at her residence in Minnetonka, MN, on Friday, February 20, 2026. She was born on July 4, 1934, in Minneapolis, MN, to Andrew and Helen (Nelson) Noden. She was raised in Ada, MN, and graduated from the School of Pharmacy at North Dakota State University in Fargo in 1956. She married Donald Howitz on August 25, 1957, in Ada. She was a pharmacist, and over the years worked at several Brainerd-area retail pharmacies and St. Joseph’s Medical Center, in addition to the Brainerd State Hospital, the organization from which she retired in 1999. Pat enjoyed traveling, reading, needlework, gardening, collecting recipes, playing games and spending time with her family and many friends. She was a tireless advocate for the advancement of women in our world and served as a volunteer and member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She also was a member of the Sons of Norway, served for several years on the Board of Directors at the Brainerd YMCA, and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd for 65 years

Pat was a wonderful mom and grandma who will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Fordyce, Minnetonka, MN; two sons, Michael Howitz (Anna Schroder), Shoreview, MN, Mark Howitz (Linda), Plymouth, MN; and seven grandchildren, Thomas Fordyce, Lauren Fordyce, William Howitz, Andrew Howitz (Jenna Simonson), Peter Howitz, Rebekah Norby (David), and Sarah Howitz.

She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband, Don Howitz.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel at 7348 Excelsior Road in Baxter, with Pastor David Holte officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, and a luncheon will follow. Inurnment with a graveside ceremony will be at Vaale Cemetery immediately after lunch. Memorials are preferred to the Brainerd chapter of AAUW.