In 1982, Deana Patnode, a vibrant 23-year-old, disappeared from a Minnesota bar without a trace. Decades later, a deck of cold case playing cards would ultimately lead to some closure in her case — but leave everyone with far more questions than answers.
Courtesy of Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Minnesota Department of Corrections
Episode Info
If you know anything about the murder of Deana Patnode, or if you remember seeing her at the Buck Board bar on Concord Boulevard in South St. Paul on October 26th, 1982, please call the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office at 651-565-3361 and ask for Chief Deputy Warren.
The first reconstruction of Jane Doe’s face was completed in the early days of the investigation. Courtesy: Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office
Photos of the area where Deana’s remains were found. Courtesy: Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office
A map showing where Deana was last seen and where her remains were found seven years later. Courtesy: Google
An undated photo of Deana. Courtesy: Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office
An article about the remains being discovered, published in The Winona Daily News on May 26th, 1989. Courtesy: The Winona Daily News
An article from The Winona Daily News, published on August 9th, 1989, showcasing an artist’s rendering of Jane Doe’s face. Courtesy: The Winona Daily News
An article announcing the identification of Deana Patnode, published by The Winona Daily News on March 17, 2009. (1 of 2)
An article announcing the identification of Deana Patnode, published by The Winona Daily News on March 17, 2009. (1 of 2)
Episode Source Material
- Warner Funeral Home: In memory of Deana Patnode.
- Twin Cities Pioneer Press: Remains found in 1989 identified as Inver Grove Heights woman, by Pioneer Press.
- The Doe Network: Press release by law enforcement.
- Post Bulletin: Missing woman’s remains identified, by John Weiss.
- Twin Cities Pioneer Press: Card in a ‘Cold Case Deck’ draws a tip that reopens disappearance of an Inver Grove Heights woman, by Jess Fleming.
- YouTube: Minnesota Cold Case Playing Cards part 2, uploaded by Pioneer Press.
- Duluth News-Tribune: Details emerge in Donald Blom prison death, by Teri Cadeau.
- MPRnews: Donald Blom, killer of Katie Poirier, dies in Minn. Prison, by The Associated Press.