Patricia L. Hallsten

Patricia Hallsten passed away on May 24, 2024 in Naples, Florida just a couple of months shy of her 91st birthday. The oldest child of Leonard and H. Velora Tornquist, Pat was born in Minneapolis MN on August 4, 1933. She was the big sister of three brothers. Growing up, Pat enjoyed athletics. She developed her lifelong love of ice skating, her brothers tell of her speed in running races, and she was a cheerleader in high school. Pat worked part time at a bakery and then at Dayton’s to pay her tuition at Minnehaha Academy. As she began her first year at Minnehaha, Pat caught the attention of Edwin Hallsten and they soon had their first date. While in school, she became an accomplished seamstress and made her own clothes. She graduated in 1951. Pat and Ed celebrated not only their anniversary but also the anniversary of their first date throughout their 67 years of marriage. Over the years she received poems signed “your Ed” telling of his love for her. Pat, a homemaker and mother, also served as a pastor’s wife. While they were married and raising a family, Ed served in the Army including Korea, finished his bachelor’s degree, completed seminary while serving a church, obtained his PhD in clinical psychology, and served various churches and mental health programs. Pat organized the many moves and set up the new places, making each new place a “home.” Pat volunteered in various church capacities and served as a camp counselor and with Ed she co-led youth groups, counseling groups, and marriage retreats. She also worked part time in interior design for some years after her four children were grown. Her hobbies included reading, antiquing, bargain hunting, furniture refinishing, sewing, gardening and hand hemming napkins for gifts to loved ones. In her early 80’s she learned to use an iPad and kept in contact with family and friends across the world. While living in her assisted living apartment, she found quotes that she printed out and shared on her apartment door weekly – many residents and staff there commented how much they looked forward to reading them. Pat cherished being a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother as well as being an aunt and friend to many. She was cherished by them in return. She loved to tell stories and her family has many stories telling of her humor and willingness to be silly, her compassion for all, and her sense of style. Patricia Hallsten is survived by children, Dawn Hallsten (Don Mateer), Brent (Terri) Hallsten, Danielle Eldridge, daughter-in-law Karen Hallsten; 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren with another on his way, two brothers: Lowell (Barb) Tornquist and Sheldon Tornquist. Her husband, Edwin Hallsten, son Rand Hallsten, granddaughter Rachel Parks, son-in-law Steve Parks, son-in-law James Eldridge, parents, and brother Richard “Dick” Tornquist (sister-in-law Kay) predeceased her. Her family thanks Pat’s special friend, Maggi, for her loving and caring relationship with her. In her last Facebook post Pat said she was “blessed.” As her family, we know we are so blessed to have her for our mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. Thanks be to God for her! Pat will have a memorial service for family in the Old Post Chapel when she is buried at Arlington National Cemetery with her Ed at a date yet to be determined. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.

Patricia L. Hallsten

August 4, 1933 - May 24, 2024