Patrick Vinopal

Patrick "Beaver" Vinopal passed away peacefully Monday, January 1 after a brief illness.

Patrick was born March 3, 1948 in Eau Claire but grew up in Augusta, WI. He participated in many sports while in school and played baseball for the Augusta Athletics. After his junior year, Patrick transferred to Regis high school to graduate in 1966. He attended UWEC receiving his bachelors degree in economics. While at UWEC, he worked for Anderson Roofing where he worked for 25 years. In 1986, he continued his education, enrolling at CVTC earning a degree in electromechanical engineering.

In 1989, he married Shelley Skinvik. Shortly after graduation they moved to Las Vegas, NV. After moving to Las Vegas, Patrick worked for a short time at the Imperial Palace before accepting a position at MacTac Nellis utilizing his electromechanical degree. After MacTac closed in 1994 Patrick stayed to manage the building until it was sold to Johnson Brothers Liquor Distributors where he worked as maintenance manager until retiring in 2016.

Moving to Las Vegas also allowed Patrick to ride his Harley Davidson year-round. Soon after moving, he joined the Old Bastards Motorcycle Club where he was a member for over 30 years. He loved riding and all of his brothers and sisters in the club. Beside riding his other loves included his fur babies through the years, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers. His greatest love was his wife Shelley, who he spoiled the whole time they were together.

Patrick is survived by his wife Shelley, brother Michael (Charli) and Smokey his best friend and service dog. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces and cousins. He was proceeded in death by his father, John Riley Vinopal and his mother, Wilmah Ruby Vinopal (Scott)

All who knew him will miss him and his unique way he told a story.

A celebration of life will be held at VFW 305 on July 20.