Patrick Lynch

Patrick Michael Lynch, age 78 of Stillwater, MN passed away on December 29th, 2025 surrounded by family.

Patrick will be forever remembered as a devoted husband to Carole, his wife of 55 years, and a beloved father, grandfather, friend and sibling.

After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Patrick was a chef for over 45 years. He served delicious meals at high-end hotels, St. Joseph's Hospital and Little Sisters of the Poor.

Faith was vital throughout Patrick's life, beginning as a student at Transfiguration Catholic School and Nazareth Hall Seminary. He was an involved parishioner at St. Michael's Catholic Church and an integral member of the BeFriender program. For the past 40 years, he attended a silent and reflective retreat at the Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Elmo each October. These experiences nurtured a moral compass that guided the way he lived.

If he wasn't cheering for the North St. Paul Polars at the local hockey rink, you could find him at the library reading a book. He was a life-long seeker of knowledge with an open and curious mind. He read 950 books since the age of 18, documenting each one on recipe cards.

While Bob Dylan was his favorite musician, Patrick enjoyed music of all styles. It wouldn't be uncommon to have a Gregorian Chant song next to Norah Jones on his curated mix tapes.

To Patrick, family was life. To his grandchildren, he was a hero. He was playful, goofy and patient. The grandchildren loved his magical holiday meals, hockey nights and birthday celebrations. His sense of humor brought laughter and lightened the mood. When you needed someone to listen, he was supportive and non-judgmental.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Patrick's family wishes to thank his caregivers at St. Therese in Shoreview and the Health Partners Hospice Care Team for their kind, loving care.

Patrick is survived by his wife Carole; daughter Nicole (Dan) Oertel; son Brian (Naomi) Lynch; brothers Tom, Dennis; sisters Colleen Johnson, Karen Kittel, Ann (Roy) Peterson; grandchildren Megan and Max Oertel; Marika, Kai, and Kiwa Lynch; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents Elaine and Robert Lynch, Sr.; brothers Timothy Lynch and Robert Lynch, Jr.; and sister-in-law Connie Lynch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 6th, 2026, at 11AM, at the Church of St. Michael, 611 South Third Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 with visitation one hour prior to the Mass. Private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the charity or cause of your choice.