Patricia R Backlund, 98, of Grand Marais, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the North Shore Care Center. Patricia (Pat) was born in Superior, Wisconsin on January 21, 1925, to Ruth and Walter Madsen. Pat grew up in Superior and graduated from Superior Central High School. After graduation, the family moved to Duluth where she attended St. Scholastica for a year and worked at Western Union.

Pat had previously met John while vacationing in Grand Marais while still in high school. They reconnected after high school, and married on May 31, 1947, in Grand Marais. They made their home in Grand Marais, where they raised their three children. They built a cabin on Devils Track Lake in the 1950’s,

and the family spent much of their summers at the lake.

Pat went to work for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator in the 1950’s. When the phone company went to dial, she went to work for Pyrofax Gas as an office clerk. When the gas company closed, she worked for the Cook County Engineering Department. After leaving the County, she spent some time working at the Cook County News Herald. In retirement, Pat and John spent two years living in Destin, Florida, before moving back to Grand Marais. Pat worked for many years at The Attic after moving back to Grand Marais.

In her earlier years, Pat was involved with many activities outside work. Pat was always game to go fishing with her husband, John, summer or winter, and had many tales to tell about those fishing trips. She was an enthusiastic supporter of her children’s activities, and faithfully attended their events. Throughout all her years, Pat was an avid reader, sharing that passion with her children. When she wasn’t reading, she could be found doing crossword puzzles. She was also a great cook and baker, making treats for family and friends. Pat was a wonderful mother, and loved by family and friends, and especially enjoyed having the whole family get together. After John’s death in 2008, Pat shared her life with Dwain Staples, and was welcomed into his family.

The family would like to thank the staff at North Shore Care Center for the kind and compassionate care she received.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, sister Barbara, granddaughter Amie and special friend Dwain.

Patricia is survived by her son Michael (Nancy) of Grand Marais, daughters Patser (Edward) Lynch of Superior, Wisconsin, and Barbara of Grand Marais; grandchildren Michael, Jennifer, Jason, Karilynn, Scott and John, many great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are pending. Memorials are preferred to North Shore Health Care Center and Library Friends of Cook County.