Our hearts are heavy as we remember the life and legacy of Pat Stephens.
As young(er) professionals, we learn the most from leaders who don’t just talk about service, but truly live and breathe it. Pat was the very best example of a servant leader. Humble. Kind. Never self-aggrandizing. Someone you couldn’t say no to. Someone who liked to have fun and who you wanted to learn from and serve alongside of. A hero to many, and a true giant in our community when it came to living out Service Above Self.
Pat blessed this community in more ways than we will ever know. No one could get er’ done like he could. His fingerprints and his heartbeat are behind countless projects, traditions, and memories that we will continue to benefit from for years to come.
There was, and will only ever be, one Pat Stephens. We are endlessly grateful for his time, dedication, and positivity he shared so freely, and to his family for sharing Pat with all of us. To Joanne and his family, friends, and all who loved him: we hold you close in our hearts.
Pat, thank you for the legacy you leave behind. The greater La Crosse area-through Rotary, Irishfest, Freedom Honor Flight, UWL, Riverfest, Rotary Lights, Riverside Park, area food pantries, the Rotary Mobile Clinic, Explore La Crosse, the many boards you served on over the years and so much more, is better because of you.
Be like Positive Pat. The world will be a better place because of it.
"Pat’s wonderful life will be celebrated with a visitation Thursday, February 12th at St Patrick’s Parish in Onalaska, Wisconsin from 4pm – 8pm. Funeral services will be Friday, February 13th at 11am at St Patrick’s Parish in Onalaska. The family invites you all to an Irish Hooley Friday night at 6pm at Celebrations on the River where there will be plenty of Jameson Irish Whiskey and stories to tell. In the spirit of service above self, a non-perishable food item is strongly encouraged for entry into the Hooley, which was part of Pat’s wishes and will benefit the Hunger Task Force." Pat's full obituary can be found here.
