Patti Marie Jankila, age 68 of Virginia died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at Essentia Health-Virginia. She was born February 17, 1950 in Virginia, the daughter of Eino and Kathleen (Davey) Haataja and was a 1968 graduate of Virginia Roosevelt High School. Patti married David Jankila on March 31, 1973 in Virginia, and was a lifelong Virginia resident. She was a talented and creative seamstress. It seemed that no alteration was ever too big of a task, but she really had a passion for making and giving away clothes for kids, especially doll clothes. She also loved to bake. At Christmas time she would spend hours in the kitchen baking dozens of different cookies to give away as gifts for others to enjoy. Her favorite times were those spent with family and friends, especially her granddaughters.
Patti was a caring woman with a giving spirit. Even in her passing, Patti has chosen to help others by participating in the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Anatomy Bequest Program, which supports high quality education for future health professionals and continued advancements in medical care through research.
Patti is survived by her husband of 45 years: David Jankila; sons: Erik (Kathy) Jankila of Eveleth and Alex (Jen Johanneck) Jankila of St. Cloud; granddaughters: Maddi and Elli Jankila; sister: Lynn (Don) Peterson of Denver; brother: Joel Haataja of Mt. Iron; brothers-in-law: Bob Jankila of Palo and Dorian (Julie) Jankila of Virginia; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Carol Haataja Hebert and John Haataja; and sister-in-law Darlene Jankila.
The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019 in Peace United Methodist Church in Virginia. Pastor Mickey Olson will officiate. A gathering time for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .