Patrick Joseph Cooney

Patrick Joseph Cooney, age 91, of Le Center, died on Monday, July 18, 2016 at his home. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 4 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Le Center concluding with a Knights of Columbus service at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior at the church. Father Chris Shofner will be officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Le Center.

Patrick was born in Kilkenny Township of Le Sueur County, on July 19, 1925 to Charles and Mary (Warnemunde) Cooney. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School and graduated from Le Center High School. Pat served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII from September 11, 1943 until December 5, 1945. He was in the Assault Wave on Japan serving in the South Pacific and wounded on the Iwo Jima and was awarded the Purple Heart. Pat was united in marriage to Viola M. Miller at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Le Center on September 23, 1947. Patrick farmed, worked as the manager of the local VFW and then was a section crewman for the SOO Line Railroad for 17 years. He retired in 1989.

Pat was a life member of the VFW, American Legion, and Forest G. James Marine Corps. Post and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife were honored with the title of Grand Marshalls for the Le Center St. Patrick's Day Festivities.

Pat's family includes his wife, Vi; seven children, Sharleen (Richard) Clymer of Hastings, Patrick J. Jr. (Teri) Cooney of St. Peter, Karen (Greg) Gotto of Globe, AZ, James Cooney of Le Center, Kathryn (Mike) Siebsen of Le Center, David (Noreen) Cooney of Northfield, and Mary (Lynn) Cooney of Le Center; 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brother, Raymond (Janet) of New Prague; sister-in-law, Margie Cooney of St. Peter; brother-in-law, Warren Christiansen of Palm Springs.

He is preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Patrick Gerard; brothers, Emmett, John, Urban, and Robert Cooney; sisters, Theresa Christiansen, and Anne Marie McShane.

Military Honors will be provided by the Le Center area Honor Guard.

Arrangements are with the Le Center Funeral Home in Le Center. 507-357-6116. www.lecenterfuneralhome.com.