Patrick "Pat" Joseph Byrne

Proverbs – By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

Patrick “Pat” Joseph Byrne, 83, of Ghent, MN passed away on March 8th, 2025 at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Pat was born on September 21, 1941, to Rollie and Nellie Byrne in Ghent, MN. He was the oldest of nine siblings and loved his younger brothers and sisters dearly. During and after graduating from Central High School, he worked as a carpenter for Doom & Cuypers Construction, Inc. Like many young warriors from that era, Pat was drafted in the US Army and served during the Vietnam War whereby building schools and hospitals. We are all blessed Pat returned safely, and those very trying experiences led him to love life and appreciate time with family even more.

Eventually Pat decided to venture out on his own as an independent contractor/craftsman. He invested many years in Ghent and the surrounding communities building and remodeling homes, a skill, art, and talent from which many benefited.

Pat and Diane (Brosseau) Byrne were married on June 10, 1967 at St. Clotilde Catholic Church in Green Valley, MN and had two sons, Jeff (born 1968) and Tim (born 1970). Pat was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family and friends meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned and something we all felt acutely.

Pat was always very active whether at work or play. He spent countless hours over the years enjoying several hobbies: baseball, bowling, shooting pool, playing (and teaching 😊) rolle bolle, and even shuffleboard while snow-birding in AZ, to name a few. Pat also found significant time to enjoy hunting and fishing with family and friends while also teaching so many important life lessons along the way: always do your best, have fun, help others, and enjoy the simple things in life.

Lastly, Pat, like many hardy Minnesotans, was a passionate fan (for better or worse) of major MN sports teams (Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves) and of course Pat’s favorite color was purple. Anyone who knew Pat knew that he was the most loving spouse, father, grandfather, sibling, uncle, relative and friend a family and community could ask for. His two sons and four awesome grandchildren (Reece, Nick, Naomi, Kaiya) were truly blessed to have such a great teacher, advocate and role model. He ALWAYS took the time to play catch, enjoy a game of cards, work on a puzzle together, share a laugh and create a lasting memory!

Pat was predeceased by his mother, Nellie, his father Rollie, and his sisters and brothers (Steve, JoJo, Sheila). He is survived by wife Diane, sons Jeff and Tim.

The family of Pat Byrne wishes to thank you all for sharing your kind memories, stories, prayers, and honored memorials during this life transition.

Pat always knew he couldn’t promise he would “be here” for the rest of our lives, but he undoubtedly and whole heartedly loved us during all his life. Love you….more….

A mass of Christian Burial for Pat will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent, MN beginning at 10:30 a.m. Public visitation will take place Saturday morning at church beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will take place at St. Eloi Catholic Cemetery following the funeral mass. Upon conclusion of the graveside service a luncheon will be provided at church.