Patricia Ellen "Penny" Closser

Patricia Ellen “Penny” Closser age 68, of Le Center passed away at home on May 31, 2026 after a long battle with a rare neurological disease. Penny was born August 24, 1957 in Mankato to George and Ruth (O’Malley) Sycks. She attended St. Mary’s parochial school and Le Center High School, graduating in 1975.

It was in high school where she met her husband, Bob Closser. They married on June 10, 1978 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Le Center and were together just shy of 48 years.

Penny worked at Central Health Care in Le Center before deciding to become a stay at home mom, a decision that defined who she was, a caring and devoted mom and grandma to her children and grandchildren. When her kids were young, her and Bob spent many Sunday summer afternoons at Lake Volney big family get togethers, where their kids got to play with cousins. She got to visit with the other parents and relax a little. When cleanup time came, her and a sister in-law, did the dishes, and she never complained. . . . . . well not much anyway.

She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events. The 1999-2000 football and basketball “parents crew” were some of her favorite moments and provided her fondest memories.

She also looked forward to annual vacations in northern Minnesota, spending time on the lake, in the boat fishing, or reading while her husband fished.

Penny is survived by her husband Bob, and children Eric (Kelly Jo) Closser, Kelly (Mike) O’Malley, both of Le Center, Jayne (AJ) Luckhardt of Kasson, Minnesota and Tim Closser of Waseca. Grandchildren, Molly and Maggie Closser, Nolan and Ruthie O’Malley, Jacob and Jovie Luckhardt, and brother Larry (Mary, Lynn) Sycks.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruth Sycks and father and mother in-law Allen and Rita Closser.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St Mary's Catholic Church in Le Center, MN; Father Chris Shofner will officiate. Penny's family will greet guests at a visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Le Center, MN.