Lewis "Pat" Gooler

Gooler, Lewis A. "Pat"

Lewis A. "Pat" Gooler, age 96, died Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at Shady Lane Nursing Home.

Pat was born July 7, 1916, in Moose Lake, Minnesota. He moved his wife and family from Duluth, MN to Milwaukee, WI in 1946, where he lived until 2004. A terrazzo mechanic, he was a lifetime member of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers.

Loving father of Patty Lou Pohlmann (Bill), Harry Richards (Jean), the late Geraldine Spahn, the late Rose Marie Gast, two stepdaughters, Sandra Lenga (Bob) and Heidi DeKovic (Jay), and the late stepson Dennis McNinch. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; a brother, Forrest Gooler (Patti); special friends, Kathy Pohlmann, Dorine Kluenker, and Carol and Wally Berndt. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Devoted husband of Josephine Richards from 1937 until her death in 1980, and Joy June McNinch from 1981 until her death in 2003. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, 5 sisters, two sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, a grandson and two granddaughters.

He had a lifelong interest in politics and history. He loved his family deeply, had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to sing. He took pride in a job well done, was honest in his dealings with others, and remained engaged in the present and connected to people. By example, he taught his family sound values and a strong work ethic. He will be deeply missed.

The funeral was held at Harder Funeral Home in Brookfield on Saturday, June 8, 2013. Interment at Wisconsin Memorial Park was private. A special thank you to Dr. David Danby, Dr. Mary Govier, Sherry Glandt NP and the amazing employees of Laurel Grove Assisted Living and Shady Lane Nursing Home for their wonderful care since 2004. Memorials to Laurel Grove for the garden path brick program are appreciated.