Patrick James Gallagher

January 8, 1940 - August 9, 2021

Patrick J. Gallagher, 81, of Apple Valley, MN and formerly, Mason City, IA, passed away Monday, August 9, 2021 in Bloomington, MN. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 20, 2021 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City, IA 50401. He will be laid to rest at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City, IA. Family will greet friends and relatives one hour prior to the funeral at the chapel. Patrick James Gallagher entered this world on January 8, 1940. First time parents, James Joseph age 28, and June E. (Anderson) age 24, arrived in Cresco, Iowa driving a horse and sleigh. Their family grew to include Shirley, Carol and Wayne. He was a natural care giver with a loving spirit and boundless energy. Did this energy lend itself to enjoying school? Well, not exactly but it gave him a great work ethic. James and June raised their children in Mason City, Iowa. This is where he met and fell in love with Betty Jean Sexton. They got married on June 20, 1959 in Mason City, Iowa and celebrated 62 years of marriage in 2021. Together Pat and Betty raised 3 children, Michelle (Holte), Julie (Imoto), and Steven. Pat worked as a sheet metal worker for Ray E Pauley and Metropolitan Mechanical until he retired in 2007. Patrick was known as the energizer bunny. Thus, we all were wondering how retirement life would suit him. Being the proud Grandpa the Great to: Courtney and Melvin Holte; Rollie, Jarryd (Annie), Jordan (Paige M) and Maya Imoto; Nora Gallagher and Jack Conlon; Patrick didn’t sit still for too long. Patrick became the taxi driver to dance, soccer, track, tennis practice, etc. He was also the very loud cheer leader at all events. Pat loved bringing his grandkids to parks and zoos. He even attended a concert in Red Rocks Colorado! Patrick never learned to swim but was a lover of his time spent on his boat. Taking his grandkids and their friends fishing and tubing at a moment’s notice. Patrick loved all children and volunteered to teach Sunday school as well. His love and devotion to his family was evident in his actions and words. Whenever someone needed help he was the first one there. Patrick's legacy will be carried out by his family and friends thus will never be forgotten. Family members that preceded him in death: his mom and dad, twin siblings that passed before age one, sisters Shirley and carol, and grandson Addison.