Patrick J. Feiereisen

Dear Pat went home to the Lord surrounded by his wife and loving family after a courageous battle with cancer on 17 July 2024. Patrick Joseph Feiereisen was born to Michael and Eleanor Feiereisen (Spellecy), one of their twelve children, in Fond du Lac, WI, on 25 February 1944. Pat and all his siblings grew up on Lincoln Avenue and walked together to St. Patrick's School. He discovered his beloved wife, Sue Eggers, early in life; he even operated the paper route for her neighborhood and secretly admired her though she did not know it at the time. Innocent time spent at the local roller rink eventually led to the romance. An outgoing Pat, hanging out with his buddies as they tested the boundaries of youth, finally grabbed Sue's hand and they married 27 August 1964. They made their life in Fond du Lac; he sought public service and Sue raised their two children. Family was big for the Feiereisens. Driven, brave, no non-sense, and rise-to-the-moment were all ideals that fit Pat so perfectly. He immediately jumped into emergency services as a firefighter and EMT for the Fond du Lac Fire Department in 1966. A true hero and man of action, Pat devoted his life to the Fond du Lac Fire Department and saving lives until his medical retirement in 1991. His team was the fire department; his family truly encompassed all those his life touched. Towards the end of his tour of duty with the fire department, he "drove the big truck," a revered position of responsibility. Pat's words rang out so many times when his son-on the way home from school-visited him at the fire station: "What's up, rookie!" An enthusiastic outdoorsman, as he was truly his father's son. Pat enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout Wisconsin, from the northern woods and waters, to the hills of Wild Rose, and into the Canadian wilderness. Pat passionately took part in the annual Walleye Weekend event at Lakeside Park every year. Growing up with Pat as a dad meant spending summers at a cabin on the lake in northern Wisconsin; Eagle River, Pembine, Shawano, Dunbar, and Goodman were just a few places where Pat liked to hang his hat at the end of a long day either out in the woods or on the water (lake or stream). Pat loved to fish and hunt with his dad, brothers, and friends-he often shared his catch (fish and venison) with friends and neighbors, especially with those not able to get out themselves because of age. He loved deer hunting with his brothers Jim and Dave, and his dad, up north at Manitowish Waters at their aunt and uncle's place. When Pat discovered the property he called home, he excitedly called it "his dream home." He called this place a dream home because it was out on its own and right beside the woods (of course Pat loved this). The constant roar of the television highlighted his sporting spirit as he would always watch the Wisconsin Badgers football team, as well as the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Not least or even last, Pat was a true dog-lover. His dogs were his constant companions, from his first, Sport, to the rest, Queenie, Buffy, Buffy (yes, two), Jodi, Moosie, and Lucky. Of course, Buddy still vigilantly waits at the foot of Pat's bed. Family, fishing, and hunting were his passions in life. His life was molded in family, family included his dogs. Pat was best known for his fierce passions and determination to speak his mind and do the right thing. "Love, Hope, and Faith" resounded from Pat many times. These words signified his spirit and the enduring strength behind his persona and life. He was a loving and caring man with a soft, generous heart, especially for those in need. Pat was a member of Holy Family Sacred Heart Catholic Community of Fond du Lac. He built a grotto in his back yard to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Have peace, our hero Dad and Granddad, and welcome into your arms all your dogs, as the Lord embraces you. He is survived by his wife, Sue Ann. Two children: Steve Feiereisen and his wife Maggie, and Tessy Feiereisen. Two grandchildren: Krystal Feiereisen and her husband Chris Sparkman, and Natasha Feiereisen. Two great-grandchildren: Luii and Aeris. Four siblings: Jim (Diane) Feiereisen, Sheila (Ron) Cwikla, Mary (Tom) Swingen, and Gail (Gordon) Fuller. Many nephews and nieces, many friends. He was preceded in death by seven siblings - Dave Feiereisen, Kathleen Stahl, Joyce Brayton, Jack Feiereisen, Marilyn Schmitz, Michael Feiereisen, and Gary Feiereisen (who passed away as an infant). We would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful staff at SSM Hospital and the incredible team at Hospice Home of Hope for their special loving care. And also, for Father Kevin of Holy Family Catholic Church. We encourage you to donate to or volunteer at the Hospice Home of Hope to honor Pat. VISITATION: The family will greet friends and relatives from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Holy Family – Sacred Heart Church, 200 South Peters Avenue, Fond du Lac. SERVICE: Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Holy Family – Sacred Heart Church.

Patrick J. Feiereisen

February 25, 1944 - July 17, 2024