Patricia "Trish" Ann (Houle) Gripp

Patricia “Trish” Ann (Houle) Gripp, 76, of Brainerd, Passed away June 21, 2023, at Essentia Health- St. Joseph’s Medical Center.

Trish was born in Little Falls, Mn on December 21, 1946. Trish was the oldest of seven children. Trish attended Saint Cloud State University she studied Psychology and Criminal Justice; she was involved in the American Indian Center. Trish went on to work at Port girls home in Brainerd, MN, as a counselor - where she loved her job and the girls she worked with.

Trish had a passion for cooking, mostly for others. If she knew your favorite foods, you could be assured that she would have them ready when you came over. She would often make new dishes and old favorites and bring them to her neighbors to enjoy. 

Trish was an avid Bingo player, and knew each, “hot spot” in every town she lived in. Most recently going every Monday night with her significant other Rory. For many years she also sold pull tabs around the Brainerd area.

Trish enjoyed many hobbies through the years, she loved to crochet and made special blankets for those she loved, she worked to get her license and claimed that her car would automatically stop for 2 things, Bingo, and garage sales.  She loved finding a bargain and taught all those around her to be “frugal” just as her grandmother taught her. 

Trish was always the life of the party. Trish loved to laugh and make others laugh. One of her best remembered tricks was teaching people how to “Disco” and claimed to teach you how in under 5 minutes… for a small price. 

Trish is survived by her significant other Rory Sewell, her two children: Dean (Lola) Buttgen, Amy (Theresa) Makoons. Her lifelong special friend Sherry (Greg) Kempnick- Norton. Her 3 grandchildren; Kristin (Ryan) Finken, Jonathan (Lindsay) Koch, Heather Buttgen. Trish is also survived by 5 great grandchildren.

Trish is survived by Brothers and sisters: Tom (Pat) Houle, Debbie Hanghian, Rick Houle, Tim (Kelly) Houle, Becky Houle (Don Erkens).

Trish is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Delores Houle, and younger brother Ron Houle.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia "Trish" Ann (Houle) Gripp, please visit our floral store.