Patricia M. Kjol

Patricia Marie (Pezalla) Kjol passed away peacefully on February 5, joining her beloved husband, Bob. A devoted mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, Patricia lived with resilience, compassion, and a steady presence that deeply shaped all who knew her.

Born on December 19, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she was known for her warmth, humor, and gift for making others feel seen and understood. She graduated from Shanley High School in Fargo, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Moorhead State College, and later completed her Master’s in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point—beginning a lifelong calling to serve children.

Patricia met Bob while they were students at Moorhead State. They married on February 14, 1970, and began their life together in service as house parents to 18 teenage boys—setting the tone for a marriage rooted in faith, humor, and shared purpose.

She spent many years teaching in Bowler and later with the Menominee Indian School District, where she worked especially closely with young children and those with learning and emotional disabilities. Patricia brought patience, steadiness, and genuine care to every classroom, meeting each child where they were and helping them grow with dignity and confidence.

Patricia managed significant health challenges with resilience and humor. Even in difficult times, she showed up for her family—at every celebration, every milestone, always cheering, always proud to be part of their lives.

Family was the heart of her world. She is survived by her three children—Kristina (Kjol) Swanson; Tim Kjol and his wife, Amy; and Kendra (Kjol) Krall—and by her beloved grandchildren: Dakota Swanson, Laura Swanson, Henry Kjol, Sam Krall, and Ella Taylor. She is also survived by her sister, Mary (Pezalla) Galetich, and her husband, Thomas Galetich.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob) Kjol; her parents, Raphael Pezalla and Mildred (Pezalla) Drey; and her brothers, Tim Pezalla, Jeff Pezalla, and Charles Pezalla.

A service or celebration of life will be held in accordance with her wishes. The family deeply appreciates the kindness and support of all who have reached out during this time of grief.

Patricia’s legacy lives on in the children she taught and in the lives of her own children and grandchildren, who carry forward her spirit, her resilience, her dedication, and her love for family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.