Patricia "Pat" Renier

Patricia “Pat” Renier, age 98, passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2025, surrounded by the family she grew and cherished. Born January 26, 1927, in Duluth, Minnesota, Pat was the youngest of ten children, a daughter of Hugh and Mary Gollinger. From the very beginning, family was at her core.

On July 16, 1955, Pat married the love of her life, George “Bud” Renier. Together, they built a beautiful life and a loving family, raising seven children and sharing 57 wonderful years of marriage until Bud’s passing in 2012.

A lifelong Duluthian, Pat was a woman of deep faith and unwavering devotion. She was a longtime parishioner at The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary (Holy Rosary), where she was active in both the church and its Finance Council. She attended Cathedral High School, and the College of St. Scholastica, later graduating from Duluth Business University, where she honed the skills that led to a long and accomplished career in accounting and finance.

Pat worked at Duluth Plumbing and Maurice’s before dedicating more than two decades as Chief Financial Officer at the Benedictine Health Center, where her integrity and financial expertise helped guide the institution for many years.

Beyond her career, Pat’s dedication to service was evident in every corner of her life. She was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi, served on the Board of Directors for View Crest Nursing Home, and was a passionate supporter of her children’s activities, whether serving on the PTA Parent Council, leading Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops, or chaperoning trips for the Duluth Boys Chorus.

Pat never needed an excuse to gather her loved ones—she was an avid baker, a gracious host, and the heart of every celebration. She found immense joy in family, faith, and friendship, ensuring that those around her always felt loved, supported, and, of course, well-fed. She took her role as Commissioner of the family and friends' NFL football league board very seriously, holding the position well into her late 90s—proof that her sharp mind and fun-loving spirit never wavered.

Pat’s love and gratitude for those around her remained unwavering, especially in her later years, as she was able to stay in the home she adored thanks to the dedication of her family and caregivers. Though she was used to being the one providing care, she embraced her final years with grace and deep appreciation for those who helped care for her. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who helped fulfill Pat’s wish of remaining in her home until her passing. We are forever grateful for the love and dedication of Katie P., Judy W., Amelia B., Liz N., Maddie P., Meridith G., Regan D., Ashton N., Madeline H., and Eda K.—Pat deeply appreciated each of you. A special thank you as well to Dr. Steven Long, Dr. David Arvold, Dr. Jeff Engelsgjerd and St. Luke’s Home Care and Hospice for their unwavering care and support throughout Pat’s journey.

She is reunited in heaven with her husband, Bud, her parents, nine siblings, and her daughter-in-law, Mara Renier. She is survived by her children, Dr. Hugh (Kris) Renier, Colleen Renier, Judi (Kevin Deutsch) Renier, Mary (Rick) Johnson, Dr. Budd (Ann) Renier, Michelle (Jody) LeBlanc, and Stephen (Karin) Renier. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Dr. Erin Renier (Eric), Tim Renier, Andrea Seykora (Andy), Adam (Sarah) Johnson, Dr. Ryan (Lindsay) Johnson, Dr. Joe Renier, Dr. Sam Renier, David LeBlanc, Marisa LeBlanc, Jacob Renier, and Katie Renier; step-grandchildren Emma (Colin) Robinson, Jack Swift, and Claire Swift; great-grandchildren Wren Seykora, Fiona Johnson, and Arlo Johnson, with another great-grandchild due in April, and step great-grandchildren James and Owen Robinson. She is also survived by her goddaughter, Sara Rust.

Visitation will begin at Dougherty Funeral Home on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. with recital of the rosary. Visitation will continue on Monday, March 17, at 10:00 a.m. at The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

Memorials are preferred to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Patricia’s memory.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.

Livestream of the service will be available 5 minutes prior to Mass at https://www.youtube.com/@duluthcathedral/streams