Patricia Dawn Fath

Patricia Fath, 73 of Alexandria, passed away at her home on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Memorial services are pending.

Patricia was born on December 15, 1951 to Arnold and Nathalie (Jackson) Nielson in Willmar, Minnesota. She was the only girl of the six children born to the couple and attended public school in Willmar until graduating with the class of 1971.

Following high school, Tricia remained in her hometown and attended Ridgewater College for Social Work. During this time, she was set up on a blind date with Bill Fath and the two were married on June 8, 1974. The first years of their marriage, Tricia worked at the state hospital in Willmar helping individuals with hearing loss learn new life skills and obtain jobs. She got great satisfaction out of helping people during her career, but would ultimately decide to stay home with her children when she and Bill welcomed their first son, Troy, in 1976. The couple soon welcomed two more sons, Chad in 1977 and Nick in 1979,  while Patricia also cared for other children in her home while raising their boys.

In fall of 1985, Bill was hired as an instructor for the truck driving program at Alexandria Tech and the family relocated to Alexandria. In 1989, Tricia and Bill built their home on Autumn Drive, where they remained for many years before moving to their current home on Lake Le Homme Dieu in 2017. And while Tricia wasn’t thrilled about the remodel that would be happening on their new home, she grew to love the deck overlooking the bay and fountain, the outdoor space for all of her flowers, and her new neighbor friends.

Tricia’s love, pride, and joy was her family. She was an incredible mother and grandmother and her favorite times of year were back-to-school and Christmas. She loved taking the kids and grandkids on shopping sprees for the start of school year each fall, and there was never an item on a Christmas list that went unchecked. Patricia spent weeks getting everything “just so” for Christmas only to fill every inch of space under the tree – and then some – with all the presents.

And while not spoiling her family with gifts, she was spoiling them with her undivided time and attention. She loved spending quality time with her children and grandchildren and attending their many sporting events and activities.

Patricia also loved to travel with her husband Bill. The two took many trips together, but perhaps their favorites were recent vacations to the Dominican Republic and a Disney Cruise, both of which they were able to enjoy with their whole family. And while she didn’t have much time left over for herself, she did enjoy getting her hair and nails done, and was rarely seen without at least a stitch of makeup on. Beautiful on both the outside and inside, she will be missed by many, especially her family.

In June of 2024, Patricia was diagnosed with cancer among other health complications. She spent some time in the hospital in March of 2025 and left with the goals of celebrating Mother’s Day, getting to attend her two grandsons' graduation parties, and marking one more year of marriage to Bill. True to her tough nature, she exceeded her goal by weeks and passed away in the comfort of her home on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 51 years, Bill Fath of Alexandria; sons: Troy (Julie) Fath of Alexandria, Chad Fath (Ginger Shields) of Miamisburg, Ohio, Nick Fath of Willmar; grandchildren: Peyton, Sierra, Tyler, and Dylan; brothers: Ronald Nielsen, Reggie (Tina) Nielsen, Calvin (Joy) Nielsen. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Nathalie Nielsen, and brothers, Bruce and Danny Nielsen.