"Road trips will never be the same."
In loving memory of
Patrick A. Nowlin
December 10, 1947 - October 9, 2017
Stoughton- Patrick A. Nowlin, age 69, died on Monday, October 9, 2017 as a result of an accident. He was born on December 10, 1947, the eldest son of James and Ila Nowlin. Patrick enlisted in the US Army in 1965 and proudly served his country for two years in Germany and two years in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge Patrick moved to WI to find work. He met his future wife Donna Semenic and they were married on July 17, 1971. Patrick worked at Uniroyal for 35 years until his retirement in 2002. He was a life member of the VFW and served as Commander of Post 328 for the last several years. Patrick was a life member of the American Legion Post 27 of Kadoka, South Dakota and a member of the Honor Guard at Post 59 Stoughton. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, the Legion Riders and the Military Order of the Cooties. Patrick was a long time supporter and fund raiser of the Stoughton Food Pantry. He loved to travel, his motto was "I want to cover the earth before the earth covers me." Together with his wife they visited half of the U.S., and many countries including England, France, Scotland and Wales. With his son, Jim, they visited Germany, Panama, Costa Rica, Central America, Vietnam and Hong Kong. Patrick visited Italy with friends. He enjoyed riding motorcycles with the Union M.C., listening to audio books, and watching the Packers, UW Badgers and Brewers. Patrick also enjoyed watching wrestling and car shows. He is survived by his wife, Donna; son, Jim (Holly Breach); brother, Richard (Diane) of Princeton; sister, Janice Nowlin of Kadoka, SD; nephew, Justin Hirchert of Rapid City, SD; and many cousins and friends. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Edd. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 16, 2017 at Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton. Full Military Honors will follow. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, at the Stoughton VFW, following the services. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of services Monday. Memorials may be made to the McPherson Eye Research Institute, Attention: Michael Chaim, 9407 WIMR, 1111 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705. A special thank you to the Stoughton first responders and the staff of Stoughton Hospital. Please share your memories of Patrick at: www.CressFuneralService.com.
Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244
Tributes
"Edward Peterson added 4 new photos -- feeling sad. October 10 at 8:28pm · Yesterday was a very tragic day ... I want to tell you a story,,, that is true... Pat Nolin was a friend of mine,,, He won $40 Million in Powerball over 10 years ago...at the very store that I worked at for years and still go in to help as a "consultant" from time to time... We would talk every Friday and he would continue to try to talk me into appearing on the Veterans float every year.... after 15 years,,, I finally agreed,,,, in the photo you see... Pat is seated next to me to the left ... only four of us sat on that side as we were the best known in town and we all were voice-tress in our approaches to life ,,, that and I think the others thought we were" a bit out there " ??... So they just didn't want to sit with us.... Pat donated a lot of money to the American Legion and supply land, he was also very active with VFW Post 59 in Stoughton. His eye sight was failing and he rode a bike everywhere,,,, he sold me a "Dysfunctional" Veterans hat which my Mom before passing away said was " the perfect hat for me " as she chuckled and we talked about a typerwriter ... Pat was also interested in helping the community when he could and many good deed went without recognition. Last night around 7:00 PM Pat was killed when he was struck by a SUV acrossed from the American Legion in which he was the President/Commander of.... We lost a true "good" guy who used his winnings to help as many others as he could... we lost a legend and I lost a friend. "
"My husband Eugene use to talk with Pat at the American Legion meetings and thought he was a great guy. And had nothing but respect for him. I myself have never been lucky enough to have met Pat before that sad sad night. But I will never forget him! I was greatful that God allowed me to be by Pat's side and tell Him " you are not alone and I am with you and others are coming very soon! " Our deepest condolences to his wife and son."
"Mary just e-mailed us about Patrick's tragic accident. Our hearts go out to you and Jim. Patrick was always so easy to talk to. You and Jim have our deepest sympathy and are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Denny and Jean Kuznacic"
"I'm so sorry for your loss. I met Patrick on the trip to Italy several years ago and he was so nice and ready for the next adventure. "
"I will be unable to attend on Monday and I wanted to very badly to say goodbye to my hero and friend. I have been friends with Patrick since the early 80's. I used to be a bartender at Sportsman's. One year on St. Patrick'd Day I decided to close early as it was only Pat and I in the bar and go to another bar for a night cap. He waite4d til I got to my car and turned up the alley to walk. My car tires had been flattened and I turned around and began to follow Patrick. I was jumped from behind, thrown on the street and my assailant was bouncing my head of the pavement with his hands around my neck. Patrick turned because he thought he heard a noise. He came running and my attacker ran. He stayed with me until I could get to the Police Station to report. He has been my hero ever since. My family and I will never forget this amazing man. I am still here because of him. Much love and prayers during this time. Jim, please know that your dad was a hero and every time I saw him he talked about his son and all the things you were doing. You made him very proud. Melanie Seffens"
"Jim, I just wanted to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family. You're in my thoughts, Michael Noll"
"The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Patrick Nowlin. We are thankful for his military service and would have been proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. in Fall of 2018."
"To my best friend who was taken so suddenly, now you fly with the angels and watch down upon us , I know not to b sad, but as it happened the way you were taken from all of us, It seems not Fair. I will always hold you dearly as my honorable best friend, and of all the things that we spoke of and shared in conversations. You have made me become a much more humble person. And I will never forget those quirky things we both knew each other for on Thursday night bingo at the VFW.
Miss you my best friend.?"
"So sorry to hear of Pat's passing. A true hero and a generous, selfless person. I'm sure Patrick will be at the Dedication ceremony for the new Memorial in spirit, watching, smiling, so proud of his Post, family and friends. Godspeed. Jeff Sundby"
"Our deepest love and sympathy to you both, Donna and Jim. We were shocked to learn of Pat's tragic death. Donna, our hearts go out to you. With our love, Keith, Lynn, & Justin."