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BORN
1956
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Patrick Wietlispach Obituary
May 23rd, 1956 - October 20th, 2022 (66 years old)
We are saddened to share the news that Patrick Alan Wietlispach passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on October 20th, 2022.
Pat was born in Danville, Illinois as the oldest of six children. Pat attended Sterling High School and briefly attended Loyola University (Chicago) on a water polo and swimming scholarship, where he was studying Pre-Med. Pat became a Chicago Fireman in 1980 and worked at truck 28, later became a Lieutenant at engine 69, followed by a Captain at truck 13. In addition he worked on the squad as a diver, he obtained his Tech-A license; he also briefly worked as a fire prevention inspector. Shortly before he retired, he became an EMT. Pat retired in 2012 as a Battalion Chief. He has been fondly known as the “MAJOR” by all his friends and colleagues in the Chicago Fire Department. For at least 30 years, he also did side jobs to support his family. He was known for his expertise working in plumbing, electric and heating and air conditioning. If there was something you needed fixed, Pat would research the project and get the job done. If it wasn’t perfect, he went back and fixed it… no shortcuts were ever taken.
Pat was a devoted husband, father, brother and Papa. Pat has been married to his best friend and wife Mary for 39 years. Pat and Mary have three children Breanna, Matt (Laura) and Jack (Emily). Pat is also known as a beloved “Papa” to 5 grandchildren, Hunter, Henley, Levi, Hadley and Sophia. Pat is the oldest of six children, preceded in death by his brother Mike (Cheryl), Denise, Bryan, Todd (Denise), and Danielle (Mike). Pat is a dedicated brother in law to Brian (Mary), Mark (Ruth), Mike (Carol), Dave (Pat), Paulette (Ken), Trisha (Mike) and John (Traci).
Pat was known for his work ethic, his dedication to his family and a unique sense of humor. Pat was a giving, caring husband and friend, who never expected anything in return. Pat loved going to his kids' life events, no matter the time or place; his kids' needs were a priority. He loved playing golf with his brother Mike, his friends Kenny, Pat, Gary, Tom, Frank, Marty and Lee. Pat will also be missed by his long time friend Kevin. They did multiple home improvement projects together over the years. If you worked or played side by side with Pat, your life would never be the same! He would make you laugh, work hard and always made sure there were snacks nearby to enjoy.
Pat will also be remembered for his love of candy and Jif peanut butter. Everyone knew he had a candy drawer in our home filled with goodies and it was visited by many.
Pat and Mary recently downsized to a small home in Niles. Pat had remodeled the whole home before they moved in last April. Each evening, after Wheel of fortune, they went for a walk, (Pat rode his bike). Their life together was simpler, yet more special. My Dad always made sure my Mom had what ever she wanted or needed.
Pat was someone that you could always depend on if you needed help with a home project. Pat and his brother-in-laws would pack their trucks, get their tools and get the job done. Their time together was priceless. If you were ever a part of it, you had a lot of fun, heard a lot of funny stories and always left smiling. Pat will be truly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ignite the Spirit Fund (https://www.ignitethespirit.org/) appreciated.
A memorial service will be held:
November 12th, 2022
12Noon- 5PM
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home
7812 North Milwaukee Avenue
Niles, Illinois 60714
Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Wietlispach
31 Entries
Philip and Debbie Leahy
May 8, 2023
Dear Mary, we just heard the shocking news of Pats sudden passing. He was a great guy and a great firefighter. He will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Matt and Jen Rice
November 12, 2022
Love you Pat. So many great memories on the baseball field, playing games at your house, and with the family. Best family. Will miss you always.
Matt Vitulli
November 12, 2022
Thinking of you all.
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Tom Lally
November 12, 2022
Dear Wietlispach Family, I'm very sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed Pat's company, whether on CFD duty or off. I was always happy to see your loved one--my friend. Thank you for sharing Pat with all of us!
November 10, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Pat was an awesome guy and lots of fun. As a fellow member of the Cfd we would see each other and as a player on Old No7 our softball team he was always great to be around during the game and after. May you Rest In Peace my friend.
Rob and Judi Weel
Terri Pierzchala
November 6, 2022
Hi Mary,
Doug and I were so shocked and sorry when Danny told us about Pat. I cannot even begin to know what you and your family are going through. I know you have had so much going on. You are such a strong person, I am sure you are being a rock for your family.I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Love,
Terri Pierzchala
Daniel Cullen
November 4, 2022
I was so saddened to hear of Pat's passing. I hadn't seen Pat for many many years and really only worked with him on the CFD a few times. Nevertheless, his pure and sweet spirit left an indelible impression on me and his passing has taken a wonderful human being off this earth far too soon. I wish I had had a chance to chat with him about old times....so sad. I loved that guy.
Joyce
October 30, 2022
I am devastated and heartbroken by Pats sudden death. Pat will be always remembered for his generosity, smile and undying commitment to family. He was a “good guy”. I grieve with you. Love you all
Joyce
Rene John Mignagaray
October 28, 2022
I only knew Pat for a few years, played softball and golf with him with the Racoons, always in a good mood, he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers with the family.
Patrick and Tricia Leyden
October 26, 2022
Pat was a good man! He had the ability to put a smile on your face and make you laugh. Whenever I saw him in the neighborhood driving down my street, he would pull over and we would catch up on each other’s lives. He was a man that loved his family and was enjoying his semi retirement in Niles. Our thoughts and prayers will be with your family!
Greg & Nancy Schulte
October 26, 2022
Sincere condolences to Pat's family on his passing. We were cousins, and while growing up we would see each other every Thanksgiving and Christmas in East Moline at our grandmother & grandfather's. Those were great times, with many lasting memories. RIP Pat
jeffrey hoshell
October 26, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Alberto Cruz
October 26, 2022
I worked with pat when he was at squad 2,then he was , my captain on truck 13 and he was always very funny and a great guy and I will always miss him. I know that he is up in heaven and it's sad that he's left us at such a young age. My condolences and deepest sympathy to all of his family and friends, and I pray that he may r.i.p.
Paul Jenkins
October 26, 2022
I swam with Pat for years at the Leaning Tower YMCA. He was a pleasure to be around. I never knew him to be in a bad mood, and I laugh to myself thinking of the fun we'd have in those early morning workouts. By the time we were swimming together we recognized that our group was more social than sporting. He made it a lot more fun. I am sorry for your family's loss. The world was a better place when Pat was around.
John Ortega
October 26, 2022
I was lucky enough to have worked with Pat at Engine 69. I remember calling him up to ask if it would be alright if I put in a transfer to come there, I had the most seniority at the time for engineer. He didn’t hesitate on welcoming me! We became fast friends. He had a great laugh and was a friend ever since. We lost touch as we both moved on in the department. He was a good man . I’ll have fond memories as I am saddened to hear about your loss. RIP my friend
Charlie Bliss
October 25, 2022
Pat you will be missed, a special person and friend.Love you RIP
Dixon Whitson
October 25, 2022
Rest in peace my friend you will be missed deeply
Philip Orsi
October 25, 2022
My sincere condolences go out to pat's family. A great man , was a great fireman & enjoyed working with him
Cindy Fagiano
October 25, 2022
Condolences to the family. So sorry to hear.
Leonard Urbanski
October 25, 2022
So sorry for your loss.
Paul Stamper
October 25, 2022
Enjoyed Pat when we’d work together when he’d either get detailed to T-58 or relieved there on E-7. Yes many laughs due to stories he told. Good Firefighter then later a great Officer in all the ranks he held. When anyone worked with Pat at the firehouse you knew you were in for an enjoyable day. A great guy and will be missed by hundreds.
Steve Balogh
October 25, 2022
Rest In Peace Pat, you will truly be missed. It was a joy and pleasure to have met you while you worked at Mt Prospect Public Works. You made everyday a joy. I will miss your great sense of humor.
Elaine and Tim Ripley (Ringgold)
October 25, 2022
Dear Mary and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mahlon Gibson
October 25, 2022
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ann Tentler
October 24, 2022
Mary, Breanna, Matt and Jack.... My heart hurts for all of you!!! Please know I´m praying for all of you and all who were blessed to know him!!! He is your angel now! Talk to him often and he will hear you!!! God is holding him close!!! He would want all of you to have faith that he is home and will be with you again. Cherish his awsome smile and all of his gifts to all of us! Huge huge hugs to you all
Bob and Kim Ptak
October 24, 2022
To the entire Wietlispach Family.
My wife and I were saddened to hear of Pat´s sudden death. Both Pat and brother Mike were members of the first Sterling Warrior Swim team. They both set the bar high for future SHS swim teams.. The rest of the "Spach" family were also proud members of our team through the years. So many memories of Connie, Marge and the swimming Wietlispachs. I was proud to coach all of them.
Janice Stern
October 24, 2022
Mary and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. He was so loved and CHERISHED. What a Father and Papa! So many were blessed to know and be loved by him. He always had such a warm, welcoming smile to share when he was visiting his grandkids in our neighborhood. He will be deeply missed by many and I am sending you my condolences during this impossible time.
Cheryl
October 24, 2022
Pat brought his unique style to everything he did - always guided by a generous heart. All of us who´ve heard that laugh will smile with warm memories of "Remember that time Pat ...."
Patrick´s love of family, friends, and his strong character will go on through those he left too soon. Sending love and healing to all so saddened by this difficult news.
Carol A Harczak
October 24, 2022
What a lovely obituary. He seems like he had such a full life. I didn't know Pat but it seems he were a great asset to Niles. He died much too young. My sincere condolences to his family.
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Nov
12
Memorial service
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home - Niles7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714
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Skaja Terrace Funeral Home - Niles7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714