Albert E. “Bud” Patchin Jr, 89, of Monroe, formerly of Platteville, WI, passed peacefully at the Monroe Clinic Hospice Home on July 19, 2018. His family and longtime friend Jeff Martin shared precious moments in the time preceding his death.
Al was born on July 2, 1929, to Leora and Albert E. Patchin Sr. in Hazel Green, WI. Despite losinaag his parents at a very young age, Al shared fond memories of a loving mother, hard-working father, and dear sister named Anna Jean. He was married to Janice C. Scott in 1953, and they began a 56 year adventure together. Al would often say, “She is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Al was actively involved in service. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War where he was a Radioman on the destroyer USS Damato. His career at John Deere in Dubuque, IA, included active involvement with the United Auto Workers Union where he served as the secretary and editor of the newsletter. He fiercely defended working conditions and living salaries for workers and finished his career as a union steward. He was active politically and cared deeply about social issues. He served on the Church Council for First English Lutheran and Community Evangelical Free Church in Platteville, and the Platteville School Board for 17 years. Other notable areas of service were the Grant County Board of Supervisors and the Platteville Volunteer Fire Department.
Al loved people. He could talk to anyone and leave a heart better when they were done. His family fondly remembers his early morning “Hit the day with a large exuberance,” which continues to be shared with colleagues and friends. Al lived at Aster Assisted Living in Monroe, WI, the past two years, where the staff looked forward to his one-liners, rhymes, and songs. His caretaker and friend Vicki Schoville lovingly cared for Al for four years and was instrumental in making sure he attended a granddaughter’s wedding last summer. All who knew him, loved him.
Al was a loving husband, supportive dad, cherished Bumpa, and loyal friend. He loved dogs. He was known far and wide for his bread baking skills. An avid writer, his poetry would reflect depth of thought and be published in local newspapers and literary magazines. His signature duck drawing would become a family icon and inspire classrooms of children. His kids would tease him about his “country western logic” and old country tunes, but they would later grow to love them and sing them with him in his later years. His family was his greatest pride and joy.
Albert is survived by his five children, Scott (Maxine) of Black Earth; Nadine (Troy) Whiteman of Monroe; Craig (Tammy) of Monroe; Tracy Bristow of Monroe; Lisa (Dave) Parker of Brandon, FL; his grandchildren, Kathryn Ellen Thalmann, Kari (Derek) Faber, Jerod (Shawna) Patchin, Brenna (John) Patchin-Sanchez, Anna (Jeff) Shea, Amy Whiteman, Bethany (Nathan) Patchin Crandell, Christy (Marshall) Barker, Kelsey (Kevin) Visel, Micah Patchin, Adair Bristow, Aaron (Sandy) Bristow-Rodriguez, Callie Bristow, Chelsea M. Parker, Peyton Parker, Whitney Parker, Chelsea J. Parker; and 23 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Janice and his sister Anna Jean Patchin.
A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, July 21, at 3:00 PM at the Community Evangelical Free Church, 300 Pioneer Road East, Platteville, WI. Pastor Jason Sasse officiated. Burial was at Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville. Friends and family called from 1:00 PM until time of service at the church on Saturday. The Melby Funeral Home in Platteville is serving the family. Memorials may be made to the Albert “Bud” Patchin Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.
The family would like to thank Monroe Clinic Hospice and Hospice Home staff for their amazing care of their father at end of life. Gifts in memory of Albert’s life will be used to support the Hospice Home in Monroe, WI.
