Patrick J. Ryan

Patrick Joseph Ryan, aged 78, of Green Isle, passed away on March 21st at the University of Minnesota hospital in Minneapolis. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation to celebrate his life on Monday, March 30th, from 4-7pm at the Kolden Funeral Home in Arlington. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Green Isle on Tuesday, March 31st at 11am (with an additional visitation beginning at 10am). Following the service, a luncheon will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Green Isle.

Pat was born in Glencoe, MN on May 3, 1947, to Joe and Rita (Magner) Ryan. He was the 2nd of 7 children and spent his childhood on the family farm located between Green Isle and Arlington. Pat graduated from Arlington-Green Isle High School in 1965 and was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War in 1966. Most of his duty-time was spent in Texas at Fort Hood where he received the National Defense Service Medal and an award for Marksmanship.

Pat made his living through the years doing one of his favorite things: talking. Some people call it sales. He valued his friendships and loved to just drop by people’s houses - without notice - for a cold beer, a joke, and some tall tales. He was deeply proud of his Irish heritage. If you never heard him talk about the fact that he was one hundred percent Irish, did you really even know him? He loved traveling as much as he loved a good argument (which was a lot). His favorite vices were beer (especially if someone else was paying), mashed potatoes, and sweets.

Pat was a past member of the Green Isle Lions and was an active member of both the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians until his death.

Most importantly, he was so very proud of his children and grandchildren, constantly claiming that all their best qualities were, of course, inherited from him.

We will miss his laugh, his love, and his many phone calls.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand – Irish Blessing

Pat is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Rita Ryan, his brother Mike, his nephew Jason, and his niece Katie.

He is survived by his longtime partner Darlene Weckwerth; children Sean Ryan and Erin (Tim) Carlson; grandchildren Parker and Finn Ryan, Luke Meriwether, Carson Unze, Madden, Crosby and Georgia Carlson; siblings Jack (Louise) Ryan, Maureen Bullert, Sheila (Rich) Henke, Terry (Janelle) Ryan, and JoAnn (Ron) Wickenhauser; many nieces and nephews… and his favorite dog, Molly.