Patricia "Pat" Kunz

Patricia “Pat” Kunz, age 86, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on November 22, 2020, at Fairway View Neighborhoods.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 30, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 29, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the church and will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday. Fr. Brian Oestreich will celebrate the Mass and interment will be at Mound Cemetery.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to accommodate gatherings of up to 250 people. The use of face masks by attendees is required, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep our facility clean. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting and/or livestreaming will be available at the bottom of this page.

Patricia Anne (O’Connor) Kunz was born on May 16, 1934, in Graceville, MN, to Edmund “Ted” and Rose Marie (Larkin) O’Connor. She attended eight years of grade school and four years of high school at St. Mary’s Academy. After high school, Pat attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul for one year.

Pat lived with her mother, her three uncles, and her grandmother as a child. When it came time to go to kindergarten, there were only two students, so the nuns gave Pat the choice of attending school or piano lessons instead. She chose piano lessons and her talent began. At the age of eight, Pat was asked to play for the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville. She only lived a block from the church, so she played there quite often. Later on, Pat gave piano lessons and made lasting friendships to this day. She advanced to the organ and has played many weddings, funerals, church services, and many other events.

On September 11, 1971, Pat was united in marriage with Germain B. Kunz. The couple lived in Vadnais Heights, MN, for a year while Jerry was finishing his last year of law school before making their permanent move to Ortonville.

Pat did many exciting things before she and Jerry were married. She worked at KDIO Radio Station and even took flying lessons! She flew solo and would have been able to get her Pilot’s License.

Pat was very involved in her community and was a member of many clubs and volunteer groups. She was a member and house pianist since 1974 for the Ortonville Kiwanis Club and was a volunteer at the nursing home in Ortonville. She also enjoyed getting together and celebrating with friends for Birthday Club. Pat played organ at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville, and at Parkview Methodist Church in Milbank. She also played organ and piano at many other churches for weddings and funerals. Pat had a soft spot for animals and had many dogs and cats as pets.

Pat is survived by her wonderful friends: Roger (Julie) Johnson of Ortonville, MN; Evie Ulrich of Ortonville, MN; and Gladys Strobel of Clinton, MN; brother-in-law, Chuck Kunz of Florida; sister-in-law, Helen Kunz of Colorado; along with numerous cousins.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Germain “Jerry” Kunz; and her parents.

Pat’s talent and friendship will be missed by many.

Pat was a member of many clubs and was active in the community, if you wish to make a donation in her name, please do so to the charity of your choice.