Patrick James “Pat” Zorn, age 74, the most kindhearted, loving, amazing, genuine, bullshitter, sweet
talker, number one fan of the Brewers and Packers, proud Veteran passed peacefully on Thursday May
11, 2023 with Abby and Kathy by his side at Thedacare Hospital in Neenah as a result of a serious
accident that occurred 2 days prior.
Pat was born July 24, 1948 to the late Leo and Cyrilla (Cain) Zorn. He attended grade School in St. Anna
and graduated from Elkhart Lake High School in 1966.
He served in the United States Navy from 1967-1972 during the Vietnam War. You’d often hear him say
it was “a million dollar experience you wouldn’t want to pay a penny to repeat”. He was a proud veteran
and you’d see him at many Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. He was looking forward to go
on an Old Glory Honor Flight.
On November 9, 1984 he married Linda Wirtz. They resided in Elkhart their entire marriage. Together
they raised their only daughter Abby. They were her biggest fans and supporters in all of her school
activities. Family memories were filled with fun at home, attending Brewer and Packer games, family
dinners to Schwarz’s, trips to Door County, Disney and Las Vegas. He gracefully and so lovingly took on
the role of caregiver during Linda’s battle with cancer. She preceded him in death on August 15, 2014.
Pat’s careers included working for the Sheboygan Press for many years. Then he went to school and in
1990 he became an insurance agent for Rural Mutual Insurance Company. He retired in January of
2014.
Pat’s hobbies were always filled with fun. He went on many hunting and fishing trips in his younger
years with some of his best buddies. He loved sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago and was fortunate
to have gotten quite a few. He took such pride in his “Miller Park” lawn and his garden and loved to be
active. He enjoyed going to music entertainment to hear his favorite country singers. To say he was a
Packer and Brewer Fan is an understatement. He attended games regularly, knew the parking
attendants and stadium ushers on a first name basis. He was proud to be a Green Bay Packer
Shareholder. He also loved supporting the local high school athletes and was so excited watching his
grandsons Jack and Nathan play T-Ball and baseball.
He was a continued supporter of the Elkhart Lake FFA Alumni program and was presently serving as
their treasurer. He was a supporter of the Board for the Elkhart Lake Education Foundation. Pat also
enjoyed attending monthly Town of Russell Board meetings.
Survivors include his loving daughter: Abby (Ryan) Risse and two grandson: Jack and Nathan, his
wonderful girlfriend: Kathy Klaeser who brought so much joy to his life these last 5 years, brother:
Merlin (Darlene) Zorn, Sister and brother-in-law’s: Jane Wirtz, Marlene (Dave) Schaefer, John (Elsie)
Wirtz, Peter (Rose) Wirtz, Joe (Terry) Wirtz, Sandy Wirtz and many nieces and nephews. Pat was also
survived by so many friends that were just like family.
In addition to his wife Linda, he was preceded in death by his parents: Leo and Cyrilla, his In- laws:
Herbert and Evangeline Wirtz, brother and sister-in-law: Chuck (Caroline) Zorn, Sisters and brother-in-
law’s: Jack Wirtz, Verla (Jerry) Schneider, Denis (Pat) Wirtz, Robert Wirtz and some close friends like
Jimmy Dorn that he must be so happy to be reunited with again.
Those who knew him, know what a way he had with words, remembering and retelling stories. Family is
asking fiercely that in the coming days you sit down to write or record a story that you have of Pat and
get it to them so that these memories can be maintained. Additionally, if you plan to come celebrate
Pat’s life at visitation or Mass and have either some Packer, Brewer or patriotic attire to sport they ask
that you wear it. Lastly, remember Pat’s advice and “eat dessert first, it’s later than you think’.
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday Morning (May 19, 2023) at 11:30 AM at St. John the
Baptist Catholic Church in Plymouth. Father Larry Abler will officiate. Entombment will be in the Calvary
Cemetery in Fond du Lac, WI.
Visitation will be held on THURSDAY evening (May 18, 2023) at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth
from 3:00-7:00 PM and on FRIDAY morning at the CHURCH from 10:30 AM until the time of the Mass at
11:30 AM.
The Plymouth VFW World Cheese Center Post #5612 will conduct military rites at the church following
the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Pat’s name.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family. For online condolences, please
visit www.suchonfh.com.
Pat’s family would like to thank all of the local individuals and first responders who came to his
immediate aide at the time of the accident. Also a big thank you to the amazing medical team and staff
at Thedacare Hospital in Neenah. Everyone’s care, compassion and support was wonderful. To all those
who have reached out to the friends and family impacted by this devastating news, thank you. Pat is
smiling down knowing his loved ones are taking care of each other.
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