Patrick (Pat) John Burns, 78, of Hollywood Township passed away peacefully at home at the Life is Good Ranch on January 1, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Pat was born November 1, 1945 in Watertown, MN to Edward and Rose Burns. He was the youngest of seven children.

He married his high school sweetheart, Margie (who he affectionately referred to as “Mrs. Lucky”) at St. Mary’s in Waverly, MN on July 27, 1968. They were married for over 55 years and were blessed with eight children and many grandchildren.

Pat graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Waverly, MN and graduated from Assumption College in Richardton, ND. Pat then served in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician’s Mate both in active duty and the reserves. While on active duty he served aboard the USS Simon Lake (AR-33), a submarine tender, homeported at Holy Loch, Scotland. While stationed in Scotland, Pat and Margie lived in the seaside hamlet of Dunoon where their oldest, Angela was born. He then went on to work the family farm and was later self-employed doing security sales and painting.

He loved his family and enjoyed cheering on his kids and grandchildren at countless sporting events and school activities. He loved driving draft horses on Sunday afternoons and in many local parades. Throughout the years Pat and Margie hosted memorable trail rides, pro-life barn dances and family pumpkin hunts.

Pat was one of the best storytellers, and definitely got the Irish gift of gab. His stories were always believable enough at first that it would be hard to tell where the truth started and the embellishment began. Either way, he could always make people laugh.

Pat made friends everywhere he went. He talked with everyone and loved to learn their story. Faith, family and friends were his top priorities. Whenever his kids left the house he’d say, “Don’t forget to say your prayers”.

He was a proud member of both the Watertown American Legion (Eugene Earley Post 121) and the Waverly Knights of Columbus.

Pat is survived by his loving wife Margie; his children, Angela (Steve), Patrick (Julie), Suzie (Chris), Lisa (Dan), Katie (Kunjorn), Deacon Bob (Ashley), Ruth (Peter), Matt (Laura) and grandchildren, Caitlin (fiance Nate), Emma, Anna, Steven, Patrick, Madissen (fiance Ed), Devyn, Libby, Alaina, Eddie, Greta, Frannie, Wyatt, Maggie, Grace, Aidan, Johnny, Gianna, Owen, Isaac, Kateri, Maria, Ben, Clare, Max, Bernadette, Anne, John Paul, Ava, Ella, Addie, Joe, Willow, June, Violet (and one on the way).

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Rose Burns; his in-laws Arnold and Mary Painschab, his sister, Sr. Rosemary Burns, and his brother-in-laws, Steve Kane, Sr., David Roufs, Daniel Mahon and Jeff Painschab.

Visitation took place on Sunday, January 7, 2024, with the rosary at 3:30 p.m. and visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. with an 8 PM prayer service. Mass of Christian burial was held on January 8 at 11 a.m. Visitation one hour prior. Both services were held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a pro-life charity of your choice.

The Mass was livestreamed through the link below:

https://youtube.com/live/3g7oJdkmqNw