Patrick W. Beard

Patrick Wayne Beard, age 69, of Cottage Grove passed away February 7, 2017, at Fairview University Hospital after a long battle with Agent Orange. Patrick was born September 9th, 1947 in St. Paul, MN, and would continue to grow up in St. Paul Park. Patrick graduated Park Senior High School with the class of 1965. Patrick served his country in Vietnam War by joining the Navy. Patrick was in the CBs, followed by the SEALS, and finally S.O.G. Following his military service, Patrick went on to receive a degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. On July 18, 1970, Patrick married the love of his life, Sharon, in Minneapolis. They were blessed with 4 sons and 46 years of marriage. Patrick spent his working career as a steelworker at North Star Steel, where he continued to work when he was elected into the state legislature in 1982. Patrick would serve in the state House of Representatives for 12 years as a member of the DFL party. In his spare time, Patrick enjoyed fishing, waterskiing, and traveling the world. Patrick was known for his jokester personality as anyone would fall victim to his pranks. Most of all Patrick was a family man as the time he spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren could never be replaced. Patrick is preceded in death by his father, Robert Beard; brothers, Mark Beard and Vernon Smith. Patrick is survived by his wife, Sharon; sons, Shawn (Cindy) Beard, Michael (Laura) Beard, David (Janna) Beard, and Timothy (Melissa) Beard; mother, Rosemary Beard; siblings, Mary Rose (Roger) Madland, Theresa (Peter) Joyce, John Beard, Toni Beard, and Margaret Ravn; spare kid, Ronnie Smith; and 11 grandchildren. Memorial service will be held Wed (2/15), 11 A.M. at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 8694 80th St. S, Cottage Grove. There will be a gathering 2 hours prior to mass at church. Interment, Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Wise Family Funeral Home is serving the family.