Austin in Mower County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Patricia K. Piper

1934-2016

— Pillars of the City —

Patricia K. Piper Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2023

1. Patricia K. Piper Marker

Inscription. Pat Piper arrived in Austin in the 1960's as a Franciscan Sister. She taught primary grades at St. Augustine's School and later taught courses at Austin Community College. She eventually left the religious order and founded the Christian Education Center in Austin in 1968. She served as its director until 1994. As a friend to everybody, especially little children, poor people, the downtrodden, and newly arrived refugees in the community, she actively worked with the Salvation Army, YMCA, Sheriff's Youth Ranch, and the United Way of Austin, where she also served as its President. Pat served in the Minnesota Legislature from 1983-2001; first in the House of Representatives and later in the Senate where she was influential in helping to pass several early childhood education bills and legislation to help children.

Erected 2020 by Austin Pillars of the City Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion • Education • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1968.

Location. 43° 40.369′ N, 92° 58.478′ W. Marker is in Austin, Minnesota, in Mower County. Marker is on Main Street North just south of 7th Place Northwest, on the right when traveling north.

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The marker is mounted on an Austin flood wall pillar, on the west side of Horace Austin Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 Main Street North, Austin MN 55912, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Geraldine A. Rasmussen (here, next to this marker); Larry L. Dolphin (here, next to this marker); Robert J. Enright (a few steps from this marker); Susan Grove (a few steps from this marker); Jacob "Jake" Herzog (a few steps from this marker); Lyman D. Baird (a few steps from this marker); Norman E. Hecimovich (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Olav H. Hegge (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Austin Pillars of the City

Also see . . .
1. Austin Pillars of the City: Patricia K. Piper. Excerpt:

As a former nun and director of the Christian Education Center, Pat was often called upon to give the prayer to begin Senate sessions at the Minnesota State Capitol. Dean Johnson, Senate Minority Leader at the time, said, “They (her prayers) are refreshing and original. They bring about a serenity to the Senate chambers.” She was a master at working with others to get bills passed and was very influential while serving in the Legislature. She welcomed

2. Marker detail: Patricia K. Piper
everyone who visited her at the Capitol, and she helped them learn about state government. Her office door was always open, and she loved giving her constituents tours of the Capitol building.

(Submitted on November 2, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Patricia Kathryn “Pat” Piper (Find A Grave).

(Calvary Cemetery, Austin, Mower County, Minnesota)

(Submitted on November 2, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2023

3. Patricia K. Piper Marker

Looking east. Austin Mill Pond in background.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 2, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.