Jack Patrick

Menomonee Falls / Middleton: Jack Weldon Patrick, age 81, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2018 at home. Born April 8, 1936, the son of Weldon and Hilda (Smithers) Patrick in Elmira, New York. Jack received his BA in Political Science from American University in 1958, and served as president of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He received the "Outstanding Senior Man Award" for the senior contributing the most to the university through four years. Jack received his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1962, where he served as the assistant Dean of Men. From 1959 to 1967 he served as a Specialist 5th class in the U.S. Army reserves. While attending law school, he met the love of his life, Harriet Fyffe, a UW Nursing School student. They almost never met, because Harriet only at the last minute decided to join friends at the Varsity Bar instead of staying on campus to study. Jack offered to buy her a drink, but after she replied "I don't drink," he won her over with "how about a 7-up?" This began their union of 55 years, marrying on August 17, 1963 in Whitefish Bay. His first priority and main focus was always his wife and children. Jack was a loving, giving best friend to his wife Harriet, and together they enjoyed their family, and popular and classical music. Jack loved playing games and spending time with his children, and later his grandchildren. He was an accomplished card player, loved a great jigsaw puzzle, reading mysteries and British television. He had a passion for the outdoors and especially relished swimming even in cold lakes. Jack loved to take walks in any season, particularly fall, in conversation with a friend or loved one. Jack enjoyed good food, and often had dessert first. He was an avid presidential historian and civil war historian, taking his family on many trips to visit historic sites and presidents' homes. Jack's favorite president was Abraham Lincoln, and he died on George Washington's birthday. Jack practiced law from 1962 until 2007 in Menomonee Falls, founding his own practice with friend Michael Hurt in 1974. He had a deep passion for justice and equality for all, often providing pro bono law services for families and people in need and always supporting charitable causes of all kinds. Jack served on the school board of Menomonee Falls, on the board of the Menomonee Falls YMCA, as president of the Jaycees in 1970 and was a trustee on the board of Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church. He was instrumental in founding the Friends of the Menomonee Falls Public Library through his legal and personal support, and helped a client form a college scholarship foundation for local high school graduates. His many pro bono services included work for The Ranch, the Menomonee Falls Teen Center, and the Children's Community Center. He loved the law as a citizen and lawyer alike, and led his colleagues with character, sacrifice and expertise, and was loyal and generous to every one of his clients for more than 50 years. He was the best listener, the best at hugs, never complained, never quit. Jack shared he would like to be remembered for his laughter, and truly had a famous laugh that could brighten a room. He had a mischievous smile, loved a good joke, and possessed a special kindness, humility, and charm. Jack is survived by his devoted wife, Harriet, who called him her "gentle gentleman;" his loving children, daughter Margaret (Steven Haist), and grandchildren William and Sarah, son Bradford (Diana Effio), and grandchild Aliana Patrick Effio, and daughter Deborah (Ryan Wubben), and grandchildren Ella and Lars, his sisters Gail (Samuel Certo) and Karol (Ludaescher) and many cherished nieces and nephews and their many children. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved brother-in-law David Ludaescher. A memorial service will be held at noon March 17, 2018 at Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church, N84 W16707 Menomonee Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. The family will greet guests from 11:00 am until the time of service. Following the service, friends and loved ones are invited to join the family for lunch. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations in Jack's name to two charitable causes he cared deeply about: JDRF (diabetes research), 434 S Yellowstone Dr #201, Madison, WI 53719 ( www.jdrf.org ), or Thurgood Marshall College Fund (scholarships for students at historically Black colleges), 901 F. Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20004 ( www.tmcf.org ). Please share a memory.

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406