Patrick E. "Pat" Cox

It is with immense sadness that the families of Patrick Edward "Pat" Cox announce his passing on Friday, October 24th, 2025.
Pat, affectionately known as "Coxie" by many, was born on March 17,1934, in Manitowoc, WI to Robert and Anita (Sershon) Cox.
He graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1953. In that same year he and his teammates, the "Galloping Ghosts" won the WIAA spring state baseball championship – a memory he carried with pride. Pat attended La Crosse State College, majoring in Physical Education, while also playing football, baseball, and starring as the male lead in the annual musical. Following the season, he was offered a professional contract with the St. Louis Cardinals' organization assigned to the Class B Club in Peoria, IL; but with military service ahead, he declined.
Pat volunteered for the Army, serving as a Combat Engineer in Karlsruhe, Germany from 1954–1956. He played regimental football and baseball and served as Athletic and Recreation NCO for his battalion. His service also took him through Germany, France, Holland, Italy, Greece, and Libya. A defining memory from his service remained with him all his life: 66 men from his battalion were killed in a tragic plane crash near Edelweiler, Germany during a training mission. Pat had been scheduled to be on that flight but was reassigned at the last moment. He never forgot those men and spoke of them with deep emotion for the rest of his life.
Following his honorable service, Pat continued his education at Oshkosh State Teachers College, later transferring to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he graduated in 1960 with a Liberal Arts degree. While there, he met and married Mary Ann Steidel, with whom he was blessed with three wonderful sons: Sean, Brett, and Todd.
Pat's career in the pulp and paper industry was long and distinguished, including 11 years as a top national sales leader, with Quaker Chemical Corporation. After traveling all over Wisconsin and the UP of Michigan, he settled in Wisconsin Rapids in 1979. This is where he met the love of his life, Shirley "Samm" Zimbal. Together they shared 46 years, building a beautiful, blended family and enjoying time with their children and grandchildren.
In 1994, Pat founded Cox Specialty Chemical, which later allowed him and Samm to relocate to Arizona. There, he forged lasting friendships and proudly notched a hole-in-one in golf-his fourth overall. Eventually, they returned to Wisconsin, first Appleton and then the Town of Rome, where they enjoyed family and many enriching friendships. Pat especially cherished the chance to attend his grandchildren's sporting events. Pat beamed with pride over his grandchildren's many accomplishments, from athletic victories to academic achievements. Nothing brought him more joy than watching them succeed and sharing their stories with anyone willing to listen.
Pat was the kind of man who never met a stranger; everyone he met quickly became a friend. His charisma filled any room he entered. And if there was a ball game on, you could bet on finding him tuned in - whether it was the Packers, Badgers, or Brewers.
He loved to sing and often shared his voice at weddings for friends and family. Of all the songs he sang, none meant more to him than the Irish ballad "Danny Boy." Being proud of his Irish heritage and deeply devoted to honoring the military, it was a song that touched his soul. He sang it often and with such emotion that it would sometimes bring a catch to his voice, leaving all who heard him moved.
Ten weeks before his passing, Pat was diagnosed with a metastatic brain tumor. In keeping with his independent spirit, he chose not to pursue treatment and instead received the most compassionate care from the Tomah VA hospice team. During his stay, the VA staff held a heartfelt pinning ceremony in his honor, recognizing both his service and the battalion brothers he lost – a tribute that deeply touched him. His life journey ended there, surrounded by love and dignity.
Pat is survived by his wife of 46 years, Samm. He leaves behind his children: Sean (Yolanda) Cox, Brett Cox, and Todd (Danielle) Cox, Linda (Bob) Webster, Melody (Jeff) Warsinske, and Kris (Kym) Krings, all of whom shared many years of love and family with him. He was a proud grandfather to Bobbie (Rob) Webster, Meagan (Casey) Benz, Holly (David) Huntamer, Lindsay (Justin) Fehrenbach, Jeb (Reagan) Warsinske, Jake (Kelly) Warsinske, Amanda Cox, MacKenzie (Caleb) Cox, Tyler (Kelsey) Cox, Jeremy Cox, Peyton Cox, and Delaney Cox; great-grandfather to eleven; and great-great-grandfather to one. Pat adored each of them and took great joy in being part of their lives. Having lost both of his brothers, Pat cherished the special bond he shared with his sister, Judy, and felt truly blessed for the time they had together. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Cox, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Anita, and his brothers, Bob and Kevin.
Funeral services with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3rd, at Woodland Lutheran Church, Town of Rome (280 14th Ave, Nekoosa). There will be no visitation. A celebration of life will follow at Hoozels at the Lakes, Town of Rome (1497 Alpine Drive, Nekoosa), featuring an honorary toast and food provided, open-house style, where family and friends are invited to share memories and fellowship.
Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed and cards of sympathy sent in care of Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home at www.ritchayfuneralhome.com, or by mail to 615 1st St, Nekoosa, WI 54457.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fighting from Start to Finish Foundation, a nonprofit founded by his granddaughter and her husband after his own battle with cancer. The foundation helps local cancer patients in active treatment with practical needs such as rent, groceries, utilities, and home modifications. Donations in Pat's honor may be made at fightingfromstff.com or 1520 Alpine Drive, Nekoosa, WI 54457.
The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Tomah VA hospice team for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Pat and his loved ones.