Patrick Valentine Koehmstedt

Patrick Valentine Koehmstedt, age 69, of Grafton, ND, passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Pat was born April 21, 1949, to Francis and Amelia (Langowski) Koehmstedt. He was raised on the family farm near Voss and graduated from Minto High School in 1967. Following high school graduation, he attended the University of North Dakota. In 1970 he married Beverly Barsness, and they had one child, Sheri Lynn. On January 13, 1984, he married his wife, Colleen “Kande” (Callahan) Burns, and had one child, Jon Patrick. Through this union he also experienced the joy of becoming a step-father to Shane and Nich ole Burns. Pat and Kande have made their home in Grafton for the past 34 years. In 1974 he joined his brother, Joe, in farming their family land. He continued to do so until his retirement in the spring of 2018.

Pat was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Minto and Grafton community, serving on the Minto City Council, the Grafton City Council, the Minto Jaycees, Minto Farmer’s Elevator Board, Walsh County Job Development Authority, and the Knights of Columbus.

Pat was an avid sports fan. He loved and enjoyed playing for the Minto softball and basketball teams, especially the memorable 1967 Minto High School basketball team. Watching his family members participate in their various activities brought him extreme joy. Pat’s dry sense of humor and one-liners entertained many. Some of Pat’s favorite times were spending his afternoons with his cardiac/pulmonary rehab friends. His absolute pride and joy were his children and grandchildren.

Pat is survived by his wife, Kande (Grafton, ND); his children, Sheri (Daniel) Holter of Oslo, MN, and Jon (Sadie) Koehmstedt of Grafton, ND; step-children, Shane (Tammy) Burns of Grafton, ND and Nichole Nelson of Ishpeming, MI; grandchildren Aaron Vonasek, Allison Vonasek, Grace Holter, Harper Koehmstedt, Kase Koehmstedt, Alison (Beau) Rutherford, Logan Burns, Stephanie Burns, Cecelia Burns, Sarah Nelson, Emily Nelson and Callie Nelson, his brothers and sisters, Joseph Koehmstedt of Minto, ND, Elizabeth “Betty” Gerszewski of Grand Forks, ND, Francis “Butch” (Donna) Koehmstedt of Thief River Falls, MN, and Beverly (Gary) Slominski of Ardoch, ND; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Amelia, an infant brother, Peter, and brother-in-law Edward Gerszewski.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 5th at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Grafton, ND. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 4th from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Altru Hospice Program for their outstanding care and support throughout Pat’s final days with cancer.