Patrick Burns

Patrick J. Burns, age 76 of Crystal passed away suddenly on September 12, 2025. Pat was preceded in death by parents, Harold and Genevieve Burns and brother, Doug Burns.

"Paddy" was born in Minneapolis, MN on May 11, 1949, and was raised in Crystal, MN. He attended St. Raphael's School, Robbinsdale Cooper High School, and St. John's University in Collegeville. As the first of eight siblings, Pat was the keeper of many family memories due to his sharp, encyclopedic mind. He continually referred to his siblings by their birth order number, of which he was, of course, No. 1. He enjoyed attending as many family gatherings as he could and had many cousins and other relatives who he loved to visit throughout his life. Pat proudly served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army stationed in Korea. After his military service, he built a career as a truck driver, a role he held for many years until his retirement. Pat carried an enduring love for his only son, Stefan, that was always present. He had a lifelong love and appreciation for American history and collector guns and could be relied upon as a solid resource to anyone who wanted to tap his knowledge. Always a cheerful character in spite of his health challenges in later years, he would generously give of his time and energy to support his fellow veterans as a chauffeur throughout the state of Minnesota or make the rounds to his sisters' homes where he loved to visit and share a good meal. Though our hearts are broken at his sudden loss, we are comforted knowing he is in a better place and his sufferings are over.

Pat will be deeply missed by his family - his son, Stefan (Rachel) Burns and granddaughter, Dany; siblings, Vicki Thomas, Margie (Reeni) Burns, Denny (Kim) Burns, Mary Montgomery, Kelly (Bill) Wilder and Jackie (Jim) Thiebault and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 at 10:30 AM with visitation starting at 9:30 AM at the Church of St. Raphael, 7301 Bass Lake Rd., Crystal. Interment with full honors Thursday, October 16th, 9:30 AM at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery (must meet at assembly area #3 by 9:15 AM).

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family or: Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center 3033 41st St NW CF2-602 Rochester, MN 55901 507-284-1324