Patrick Byrnes
Patrick Loras Byrnes, 88, of Rochester, MN, formerly of Waterloo, passed away May 2, 2026, in Rochester. He was born August 16, 1937, in Waukon, the son of Garland and Mary (Reddy) Byrnes.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, May 12 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterloo, under the auspices of Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Burial took place in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Waterloo.
Patrick grew up on a farm near Dorchester and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Waukon with the Class of 1955. He then served his country in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958 and was stationed in Fort Lewis, WA. Upon his honorable discharge from service, Patrick continued his education as a diesel mechanic.
Patrick was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Hundey. She preceded him in death November 23, 1998. October 20, 2001, he was united in marriage to Carol Wanderscheid Ehler.
Patrick worked as a diesel mechanic for International Harvester for over 20 years and served as a union representative. He finished his career working for the City of Waterloo, retiring in 2003.
Patrick was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and was active for many years. He enjoyed listening to country music, traveling, Sunday car rides, hunting with his family, helping harvest crops, and gardening vegetables.
He was affectionately known as the “lawn mower doctor.”
Patrick was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Barbara; two brothers-in-law, Rick Oldham and LaVerne Hundley; a sister-in-law, Judy Byrnes; and a step-son, Jeffery Ehler.
He is survived by his wife Carol of Rochester, MN; six children, Michael (Patricia) Byrnes of Waterloo, Diane (Steve) Cooper of Mason City, Andrew (Jessica Yount) Byrnes of Waterloo, Susan (Jim) Knapp of Waterloo, Linda (Travis) Anderson of Waterloo, and Jennifer (Matthew) Brustkern of La Porte City; five step-children, Deborah (Gary) Sproule, Barbara (William) Martini, Diane (Dennis) Kuehn, Carole Ehler, and Robert Ehler; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and five siblings, Elizabeth (Robert) McMillan, Dennis Byrnes, Margaret Oldham, Roger (Rita) Byrnes, and Edward Byrnes.
