Patrick Albert

Geraghty

Patrick “Pat” Albert Geraghty, 85, of Owatonna, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Birchwood Cottages.

He was born June 26, 1941, in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Albert and Helen (Nelson) Geraghty. He was raised in Moorhead and graduated from Moorhead High School in 1959. He then went on to attend Moorhead State, graduating in 1963 with a degree in education.

Patrick began his career in education in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, where he taught for two years. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Sandra Thompson, and the couple made their home in Owatonna. They raised three children together.

He devoted more than three decades to the students of Owatonna. From 1966 until his retirement in 1999, he taught elementary education as well as driver’s training, leaving an impact on generations of students in the community. He also assisted with the Owatonna High School hockey program during its early years.

Outside of the classroom, Patrick had many interests and passions. A lifelong car enthusiast, he was a proud member of the Car Nuts Car Club and took great pride in his award-winning Chevy Impala, which brought home numerous trophies from local shows. He enjoyed both deer and duck hunting and was an accomplished poker player, becoming a Tri-City poker champion in Arizona. Patrick also had a signature fondness for two-dollar bills, a small, but memorable trademark that family and friends will always cherish.

Most of all, Patrick was kind, wonderfully witty, and always ready with a joke to brighten someone’s day.

Patrick’s life was one of family, education, community, and the simple things that brought him happiness. His influence lives on not only through those who loved him, but through the many students whose lives he touched during his decades as an educator.

Above all, Patrick’s life was centered around his family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandra of Owatonna; son, Michael (Maureen) Geraghty of Andover; daughter, Bethany (Jeremy) Adelman of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Katie and Jack Geraghty; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Helen; son, Andy Geraghty; brother, Daryl; and sisters, Gloria and Marlys.

A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. A visitation will take place from 1 PM – 3 PM, with a reception at 3 PM. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery at a later date.

The Geraghty family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Birchwood Cottages and Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and loving care they provided Patrick.