Patrick V. "Pat" Esch

Dodgeville – Patrick Valrie Esch, age 86, of Dodgeville, passed away on May 1, 2022 peacefully at his home, surrounded by family following a very courageous battle with cancer. Patrick was born on November 26, 1935 the son of Valrie and Loretta Esch. He grew up on a farm outside of Dodgeville and graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1953. On May 11, 1963, he married the love of his life Margaret Toay and together they celebrated almost 54 years of marriage and raised their only daughter Julie. Pat was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s parish in Dodgeville. He was a hardworking, kind, and gentle soul who enjoyed the simple things in life. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone and he could fix just about anything. But he took the greatest pride in restoring the Farmall H tractor that was once his fathers. Pat held many professions throughout his lifetime, working at General Motors, hauling milk, farm equipment sales for International Harvester, patrolman for the Town of Dodgeville and working at the City of Dodgeville Parks Department. But his true passion always remained with the farm and being outdoors. Whether it was helping with field work, his love for turkey hunting, or just being out in nature, nothing brought him more comfort and joy. Once a farmer, always a farmer at heart. Pat is survived by his daughter Julie Esch, his sister Jean Esch-Theobald, sisters and brothers-in-laws Rita Esch, Shirley Sigg, Phyllis Toay, Cyril (Gretchen) Toay, Tom (Janice) Toay, Bill (Charlotte)Toay and Ann Toay, along with many nieces and nephews. Pat is preceded in death by his wife Margaret Esch, his parents Valrie and Loretta Esch, his in-laws Frieda and Vernon Toay, his sister Mary (Joseph) Reese, brothers Jim (Karen) Esch, Joe (Mary) Esch and Tom Esch. Sisters-in-law Kathy Toay and Rosalie Toay and Brothers-in-lawJim Toay, Joe Sigg and Rupert Theobald. A Mass of Christian Burial for Patrick will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11 at ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville with burial following the service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. No visitation will be held to honor Pat’s wishes. Father Bill Van Wagner will officiate. The family would like to thank Dr. Rachel Keith and the nurses and staff at Upland Hills Hospice for the wonderful care and assistance. A special thank you to nurse, Ashley Tantillo for her support. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Upland Hills Health Hospice Care, St. John's Union Mills Catholic Church, or the American Red Cross.

Patrick V. "Pat" Esch

November 26, 1935 - May 1, 2022