Patrick Joseph Piper, age 85, of Plymouth, WI, knocked on the “Pearly Gates” on February 18, 2022 after
a lengthy stay at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center, near Plymouth.
Patrick was born at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan on January 5, 1937 and was proud to be “their
first baby of the year”. His parents were Francis and Catherine (Slattery) Piper.
He graduated from St. John the Baptist Grade School in 1951 in Plymouth and St. Norbert High School in
DePere in 1955. His education continued at St. Norbert College graduating in 1959 with a Teaching
Degree. This career ended a year later being called up for “The Berlin Blockade” in 1961. He spent a year
at Fort Lewis near Seattle, Washington; a highlight of his tenure was driving several other soldiers out
there in his 1960 Nash Rambler.
After this Red Arrow 32 nd Infantry adventure, he joined his brother, Jim and friends working on electric
power lines, “going up the Stack” in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. He was very proud that
he had the opportunity to set the steel towers on the Top North Face.
In 1982, he worked on an oil rig in Oklahoma and later he spent many years in Milwaukee as a house
painter, on the North Shore, working for Erna and Jeff. His favorite hangout was McDonald’s on the
East North Ave. Patrick tried to live by his four C’s: courage, confidence, courtesy, and common sense,
and frequently encouraged others to do the same.
Due to memory problems, he returned to the Hwy 57 homestead for family care. In 2018, he went to
Rocky Knoll Health Care Center.
He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plymouth.
Patrick is survived by three brothers: Raymond of Plymouth, James (Kay) Piper of Waldo, Donald
Piper of Cascade, sister-in-law, Trudy Piper of Plymouth and many nieces, nephews, other relatives
and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings: Margaret Piper, Daniel Michael Piper and
Maureen Piper-Schmahl.
Following Patrick’s wishes, cremation has taken place and private graveside services will be held in
the spring of 2022 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Plymouth. Father Philip Reifenberg will
officiate.
A memorial fund is being established in Patrick’s name.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family. For online condolences, please
visit www.suchonfh.com.
The family would like to send many thanks and appreciation to the worthy staff at Rocky Knoll Health
Care Center for enduring his humor and providing him with all the attention that he needed.
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