Patrick Robert Culbert, 73 of Blanchardville, WI formerly of Merrill, WI passed away on April 21, 2021 at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Patrick was born May 1, 1947 in Merrill, son of the late Kenneth and Violet Culbert.
He was preceded in death by brother, Kenneth Culbert Jr. and sister, Victoria Prather.
Survivors include his wife, Alice; daughters Cassidy Culbert Anderson and Mason Lestarge; stepdaughters, Erin (Brad) Lee and Amy (Jeff) Hanson and 8 grandchildren. Sisters Judy Hill and husband, Phil, and Mary Kathryn Donoghue and husband, Jim.
Patrick graduated from Merrill Sr. High school and attended the University Wisconsin Stevens Point. He then joined the military where he graduated from Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia. Patrick was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in charge of the 724th Engineering unit at Rhinelander, WI.
Patrick started working for the State in 1972, first in Job Service, then Unemployment Insurance. He moved to Worker's Compensation in 1992, shortly after the creation of the Uninsured Employers Fund (UEF), cementing his entire 49-year career with Department of Workforce Development. He established himself quickly as an expert in handling collections for the UEF. “To say that he had a hand in the success of the UEF, arguably one of the strongest such programs in the country, would be an understatement. His opinions and recommendations carried much weight as the UEF program matured.”
“Patrick lived a life of service to country and to the citizens of Wisconsin. We are all better off for his efforts. Patrick - always treated people with dignity and respect, he was a wonderful colleague, an entertaining teller of stories, and an all-around nice person. He will be sorely missed.” Said Joe Moreth, Director, Bureau of Insurance Programs.
Patrick loved the outdoors, enjoyed hunting and fishing. And he and Alice spent time together riding Harleys and touring in his convertible Corvettes.
A private graveside service was held April 26th at Woodlawn Cemetery in Argyle, WI. with Pastor Mary Gafner officiating.
Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home is serving the family.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com
