Lacke, Patrick J.
DEFOREST – Patrick J. Lacke, age 75, of DeForest, passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at UW Hospital in Madison. He was born in October of 1945, in Shullsburg, Wis., the son of Clarence and Eileen Lacke. He graduated from Shullsburg High School in 1963, where he was a talented pitcher, an especially difficult feat considering he only had vision in one eye at the time. He went on to attend UW-Platteville, where he continued his baseball career and made many lifelong friends. In August of 1970, Pat married Mary Sue (Sheehan). They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a quarantine-style drive-by celebration last summer.
Pat started his career with Thorp Finance Corp. in the late 1960s and in 1976 became an agent with American Family Insurance. His career took Pat and Sue to Denver, Colo., and they made many friends during the eight years they lived there, and then back home to Wisconsin again, where he worked until his retirement in 2001. He and Sue enjoyed many years of friendship and travel with the people they met through American Family.
Pat was blessed with a tremendous sense of humor that made him the light in any room, the center of any party. He could talk for hours, telling story after story, much to the chagrin of his golf and poker partners. His friendly banter and charisma made an impact on everyone he encountered. Pat loved sports of any kind and spent many hours listening to the Badgers, Brewers and Packers on his radio. He was devoted to his family, was the first to arrive at a family reunion, and was a fixture at his children's and grandchildren's events. Blindness robbed him of many things, but it didn't take his joy. Pat never saw his grandchildren's faces, but he knew their hearts – which was infinitely more important. They were the lights of his life, and nothing made him happier than to make them happy, especially if it meant treating them to ice cream or donuts.
Pat is survived by his wife, Sue; two daughters, Stephanie (Brad) Bodden of DeForest and Carrie (Joel) Allin of Littleton, Colo.; five grandchildren, Erica, Ben, Eve, Sam, and Miles; two brothers, Norbert (Mary Ann) Lacke and Bob Lacke; two sisters, Kate (Bob) Thompson and Sally (Jim) Zisser; three sisters-in-law, Kathy Lacke, Sally Post and Donna (Bill) Vander Velden; and two brothers-in-law, Tom Sheehan and Leo Loomis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Eileen Lacke; his in-laws, Norm and Rosemary Sheehan; two brothers, Jim Lacke and Bill Lacke; one sister, Ann Loomis; and two sisters-in-law, Barb Lacke and Joan Sheehan.
Since the onset of health challenges later in life, Pat relied on the kindness of many in his community, especially Bill Kortte, Gus Dreher, Jack McCoy, Paul Swalve, Pete Baker, and others, too numerous to mention. His wife, Sue, was his loving, devoted and tireless caregiver for the later years in his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin.
A funeral service will be held at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, on Friday, July 30, at 12 p.m. There will be a visitation at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service that day.
To view and sign this guestbook and view livestream instructions, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
(608) 846-4250
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ryan Funeral Home - North Side Chapel - Madison.
6 Entries
Patrick Cantwell
July 26, 2021
My sympathies to all the Lacke family. Pat was a great guy! Totally enjoyed seeing and chatting with him at the UW basketball game while I was working security at the Kohl center. RIP Pat
Marilyn Schliem
July 25, 2021
Jerry and I were so sorry to hear about Pat. He was the most memorable guy. We have fond memories of times spent with you and Pat. Deepest sympathy.
John Lacke
July 20, 2021
Condolences to the family of my first cousin, Patrick
Carmen and Joe Schwartz
July 20, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss Sue and of course for your precious family. Pat certainly did know how to bring a smile to everyone one he encountered. Often, he brought an all out belly laugh to many of us. His courage and his positive attitude negated any feelings of pity. You couldn´t find a more normal guy without sight in the country. Sue, you have been his rock and we have always known Pat chose the best lifetime partner ever. Our deepest condolences to all who loved this remarkable man.
Dale Huston
July 18, 2021
Pat was my manager at Thorp Finance in Stoughton in the early 70s. Great mentor and really enjoyed working with him. His guidance help lead me to a 49 year career in lending. His personality made going to work enjoyable. Never forgot his help. My condolences to the family and rest in peace my friend.
Dale Huston
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Wally Kopp
July 18, 2021
To Sue and all of the Laacke family, my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all. There was never a moment in Pats presence where I was not laughing at something Pat said or did. Godspeed Pat.
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