Patricia 'Pat' M. (Ries) Karger

DULUTH, Minn. - Patricia "Pat" M. (Ries) Karger, 73, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at Essentia St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth.

She was born May 2, 1941, to Joseph and Margaret (Lechner) Ries in Milwaukee, Wis.

Pat married Leonard "Len" Karger in 1961, together they raised a family of three and operated Karger Masonry for over 30 years. She was an excellent wife, mother and grandmother.

Pat was also an entrepreneur, opening a shoe store and later a dress store in Bessemer, Mich.

She and Len liked to travel across the country whenever possible. After Len's passing, Pat liked to stay active, and enjoyed traveling with her friends and family to various fun locations like Branson, Mo.

Pat is survived by her daughters, Debra (Jeff Kalchik) Karger and Laura (Joseph) Jacobson; a son, Gary Karger; three grandchildren, Jessica (Jon) Damme', Crystal and Alexander Jacobson; two great-grandchildren, Evan and Aria Damme'; two brothers, John (Linda) Ries and brother Mike (Mary) Ries; a sister, Dianne (Gerald) Cardinal; extended family members; and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Leonard.

A private family gathering will be held, services entrusted to Affordable Cremation & Burial, affordableduluth.com.