Patrick J. Farrell
A life well and bravely lived, but far too short. Patrick Farrell, 44, succumbed to brain cancer on July 19, 2013, less than two years after his diagnosis. Pat battled his disease in his own quiet, uncomplaining way, supported by the prayers of an extensive on-line network of family and friends who came to be known as "Patrick's People". That his death was peaceful is testament to the power of prayer and the support of hospice. Patrick will be remembered as a quiet man with a devilishly dry sense of humor, a devoted husband, father, son and brother, and a loyal friend. A talented athlete and great sports enthusiast, Pat was a legendary fan of the Green Bay Packers. He was a lifelong hockey player: his last hockey game was only 9 months ago. A Professional Engineer with an usually fine mind, Pat designed solutions to engineering challenges from a uniquely creative perspective. That mental agility and search for challenge in work and sport shaped who he was.
Patrick was born December 31, 1968 to J. Brady and Jane J. Farrell in Monona, WI. He graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1987, and received a degree in Civil Engineering from Cornell University in 1991. Patrick worked for structural engineering firms in Florida, Chicago and Denver before establishing his own forensic structural engineering firm in Wisconsin in 2008, Castle Engineering Solutions. He served in the US Army Reserves as a Corps of Engineers officer for nineteen years, retiring as Major shortly before his death. A combat veteran, he served two tours in the Global War on Terrorism, once each in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pat had already fulfilled his reserve obligations, but felt compelled to volunteer his services again after 911. The army accepted his offer, and quickly sent him to Afghanistan. Pat stayed active in the reserves until his retirement. The bonds of friendship formed during these deployments lasted until his death.
Patrick married the former Charity Lynn Tennessen of East Troy, WI in 2004. They have three daughters: Caitlyn 6, Mackenna 5 and Magdalena (Maggie) 2. Patrick is survived by his wife and daughters, his parents, and his four siblings: Brady Jr. (Laura) of Fort Atkinson, WI; Michael (Wendy) of Sacramento CA; Erin Petersen (Charlie)of Denver CO; and Scott (Heather) of Aurora CO. He has nine nieces and nephews; Nick, Patrick, Jordan, and Madison Farrell, Charlie Jr., Lauren and Logan Petersen, and Ayden and Avery Farrell, plus many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated by Fr. John Silva at 5PM Thursday, July 25 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4913 Schofield St. Monona, WI. Visitation will be 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the church the day of the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Patrick’s memory
