Patrick K. Burnight

Local business legend Patrick K. Burnight, 94, of North Sioux City entered into eternal life Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, at a Sioux City hospital. This inspiring man left too soon as he said, "I have five more years of work to do."
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with the Rev. Craig Collison officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery following the service on Friday. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. today, with family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a parish vigil service at 7 p.m., all at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Berkemier Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Patrick was born on March 18, 1920, in Akron, Iowa, the son of Edward and Rose (Neill) Burnight. He grew up and attended school in Akron and later attended the school of Hard Knocks, where he learned how to take life by the horns and show who's boss.
Pat married the love of his life, Catherine Langle, on June 21, 1941. They made their home in Sioux City and to this union, four children were born. Catherine passed away on Dec. 15, 1971.
Pat was a World War II veteran, enlisting in the U.S. Army in November 1942. He was in the 60th Signal Corps and was honorably discharged in November 1945 as a Bronze Star Medal recipient. Pat served at the Pacific Front in Guam, New Guinea and the Philippine Islands. Pat stated that they went through a typhoon on the way to Japan, when Truman dropped the bomb. Pat always said H.S. Truman saved his life.
Pat was a hard worker all of his life, tackling projects even when he had no prior experience. He was always willing to try new things and never understood the phrase "I can’t do it." In his early 20s, Pat was employed as a glass installer. During that time he learned everything he could about the glass business. Pat started his conquest by opening Burnight Glass in September 1952. Burnight Glass is still in business after 62 long years and has become one of the most successful glass companies in the region. Pat is responsible for most of the windows and glass doors you see around town. Next time you enter a building, look at the handle. Chances are it says Pull for Burnight Glass.
When video lottery started in the late 1980s, Pat, a savvy entrepreneur, saw an opportunity. The family got into the business, opening Eric’s Casino in July 1990. After much success, Pat then opened the Glass Palace Restaurant and Casino in January 1992. Pat was a lifelong Catholic and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
In his later years, Pat began playing golf and pool in his spare time when he wasn't on a job site, in the restaurant, or at his casino. One day Pat ventured down to Mission, Texas, on a trip to visit a friend where he met Betty Hovland. They fell in love and spent the next 25 years together playing golf and spending their winters where they first met. Betty passed away on Oct. 21, 2012. After the passing of his second love, Pat continued to pursue his business ventures, keeping him busy, and completely avoiding retirement altogether.
Survivors include six children, Deanna (Jerry) Grangaard of Elk Point, S.D., Terry Burnight of Sioux City, Dennis Burnight of Jefferson, S.D., Bill (Kathy) Hovland of Cody, Wyo., and Mary Anne (Tom) Oehlerking and Julie Hovland of Sioux City; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard Burnight of Sioux City; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Catherine and Betty; son, Bradley Burnight; four brothers; and a sister.