Patrick O’Rourke, 76, Wells

Published 9:41 am Thursday, September 26, 2013

Patrick O’Rourke, 76, of Wells, died on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, at Parkview Care Center in Wells. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Rev. Thomas Niehaus will officiate and burial will be in St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery in Wells. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of arrangements. Please see www.brussheitner.com to leave online condolences.

Patrick O'Rourke

Patrick O’Rourke

Patrick O’Rourke was born on Nov. 17, 1936, in Walnut Lake Township in Faribault County, the son of James Patrick and Thelma (Hubbard) O’Rourke. He grew up in rural Wells and attended country school until third grade. He continued his education at St. Casimir Parochial School and Wells High School. He graduated from Wells High School in 1954 and graduated from St. Mary’s College in Winona in 1959. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Schuster on Dec. 28, 1960, in Minnesota Lake. During the 1960s, he was active in the Jaycees where he was a former president of the organization and was given the honor of Outstanding Young Man. He farmed with his brothers for many years and was an insurance agent for more than 30 years. He was a member of St. Casimir Catholic Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister and he also served on the St. Casimir school board. Patrick was a great cook. He was known for making pies, muffins and Christmas candies. In addition to cooking, he enjoyed fishing, gardening and hanging out with his grandchildren. Patrick was a lifelong Vikings football fan. He enjoyed his Irish heritage and loved sharing it with his family and friends.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; three daughters, Julie (Paul) Burkhardt of Mendota Heights, Mary (Jim) Glazer of St. Paul and Molly (Bill) Schultz of Le Sueur; four grandchildren, Katie, Sarah, Erin and Connor; four siblings, Carol (Robert) Murphy of La Crosse, Wis., (formerly of Austin), David (Mary Helen) O’Rourke of Wells, Tim O’Rourke of Easton and Brigid O’Rourke of St. Louis Park; along with numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

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He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Maggie O’Rourke.

Memorials are preferred to The American Cancer Society or St. Casimir Catholic School.