Patrick Burns

A hard working no frills kind of man, Patrick Burns leaves behind a timeless legacy that those who follow in his footsteps will proudly carry on. He was a firm believer in the notion that one can accomplish whatever they set their mind to, and that there is no such thing as a free ride. Pat was a devoted husband who tenderly cared for his wife during her time of need, and as a father he taught his children to be people of great character who made him so very proud. Life came full circle for him when he became a grandfather, and as a kid at heart at times his grandchildren loved just having fun with him. Outgoing, fun-loving, and compassionate, Pat was a blessing in the lives of those around him and will be deeply missed.

The year 1945 is a memorable year in history as it was the year that finally saw the end of WWII with the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was a day of great celebration not only because of the return of countless young servicemen and women, but also because it was the beginning of the return to normalcy for the entire nation. During the war, rationing on common goods like coffee, paper, and rubber was strictly enforced and manufacturing shifted to supporting the war effort. This same year was a year to remember in the lives of a young couple from Winona County, for a much different reason as they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby boy on March 10th. Patrick Joseph was the 10th of 12 children born to his parents, George and Thecla (Thesing) Burns, and he was raised on the family farm in Warren Township alongside his siblings, Darlene, Thecla, Anthony, Tim, Rita, Kathleen, William, Mary, George, Dennis, and James.

In many ways Pat experienced a typical upbringing for the youth of his generation. He was a student at local schools including South Warren School and Lewiston High School. Someone who worked hard throughout his entire life, Pat began contributing to the family income when he was just a young boy in fourth grade. He rode his horse bareback to milk at the Johnson farm at 4:30 a.m. From there he went to Ted Thesings to milk as well. Pat went on to graduate from high school.

It was while in high school that Pat met the young girl with whom he would write a love story that would span more than 50 years. Her name was Janet Lewis, and they began dating at their senior homecoming. Soon, the couple was deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Pat and Janet became husband and wife on June 5, 1965, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Winona. This was the day that Pat forever treasured as the best day of his life.

Together Pat and Janet were filled with unspeakable joy to welcome three children into their hearts and home including Kelly, Mike, and Joel. As a father he balanced being strict with being loving and compassionate as well. Pat taught his kids their work ethic and how to earn their success by his own example. As a young man he and his brother, Dennis, started Burns Builders in Lewiston, which they operated until retiring in 2008. He modeled a strong work ethic and expected the same of his children. Pat believed there was a lesson hidden somewhere in everything that people do, and there was always a lesson in every comment he made as well. He could be demanding, but it was only because he wanted the best for his children. Pat’s children knew that any successes in life were to be earned. Some of his favorite quotes were, “Save it for a rainy day,” only to be followed by reminding his daughter, Kelly, “Remember all those rainy days I told you about? This is one of them.” In addition, he was famous for telling them, “Don’t forget where you came from.” When it came to business, Pat told his kids that if everyone is running one way, they should walk the other.

With his free time Pat enjoyed pursuing his interests. Everything he did revolved around social events. Pat loved playing cards at the golf course or at the American Legion. In fact, it has been said that he golfed just so that he could play cards with the guys afterwards. Pat enjoyed camping, and he learned to love to fish. In addition, he loved his Green Bay Packers as well as his Irish heritage.

All who knew Pat would agree that his character was unmatched. Not only was he hardworking, but he was also selfless as he was an amazing caregiver for his wife as she battled with Parkinson’s disease. Pat was thrilled to be a grandfather and loved playing and joking around with his grandchildren whenever he could. He came from little and became a great success, but he also helped those around him to experience the same success in accordance with their own dreams.

Through the life of Patrick Burns we are reminded that happiness is not found in what we have, but that it is in what we give to those around us that we are richly blessed. He was a true gentleman who was ever mindful of others ahead of himself. Pat was never one to take the easy way out of anything, and it was through his example that his children came to be people held in high esteem as well. He will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Patrick Joseph Burns, of Lewiston, died Wednesday, July 30th at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse. Pat’s family includes his wife, Janet; three children, Kelly Rossin (Mike Burt) of Lewiston, Mike (Christie) Burns of Lewiston, and Joel Burns of San Diego; three grandchildren, Alyssa and Alexandra Rossin and Samuel Burns; eight siblings, Tim (Nell) Burns of Dallas, TX, Rita (Frank) Norton of Kellogg, Kathleen (Lawrence) Putzier of St. Charles, William (Marian) Burns of Winona, Mary (Joe) Speltz of Winona, George (Mary) Burns of Winona, Dennis (Donna) Burns of Lewiston, and James (Sue) Burns of Winona; sister-in-law, Gloria Burns of Rochester; and brother-in-law, John Bauer of LaCrescent. Pat was preceded in death by two sisters, Darlene Schossow and Thecla Bauer; brother, Anthony Burns; and his parents. A Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston with the Reverend Timothy Hall officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church from 2-6 p.m. Sunday and one hour before services Monday. Pallbearers will be Jim Peterson, Eugene Bauer, Bob Siebenaler, Bruce Boynton, Steve Kanz, Mike Kanz, Dennis Burns, Jim Duffy, and Kent Erdmann. Please share a memory of Pat with his family, view his video tribute and read his complete life story when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.