Pat McKenna

On February 3, 2024, J.P. “Pat” McKenna passed away at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek with his girls by his side.  Pat was born in Milwaukee, WI on December 28, 1934, to Harry and Margaret (Lord) McKenna.  He moved around the Midwest quite a bit before landing in Watertown, WI.  Pat worked for many years in manufacturing at Lindberg/Hevi-Duty. Eventually he took the position as General Manager of Lindberg/MPH in Riverside, MI before retiring in 1999 and moving back to Wisconsin.  

Pat was a very social guy with a witty sense of humor and a love for a cold beer. He was rarely without a camera and loved taking pictures of everything and everyone, especially his children. He was a lover of all sports and right up until his passing he could talk your ear off about all things Packers, Brewers, Bucks and Badgers or share a story about a particular round of golf.  He had a great memory and loved sharing stories of the past.  He was also very proud of his Native American and Irish heritage, hence his love for a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.  Besides sports, music was his passion.  He could swing dance like no other. Watching him and Eileen dance was such a joy.  Pat loved swing, jazz and big band. He had countless albums and was so proud of his enormous collection of music.  Over the last 20+ years, Pat could be found listening to his favorite All-Star SUPERband on Thursday nights wherever they were playing.  In the past he bought different arrangements for the band and some of the members even helped him record his own album.  

Above all else, his true love was for his family.  He leaves behind his girls: wife, Eileen of Watertown, his daughters, Kim (Dave) Schalk of Muskego, Lisa (Glenn) Schuenke of Lake Mills, and Tina (Tyler) Poland of Roswell, Georgia.  He was so proud of his boys: grandsons, Ben and Jake Schalk, Charlie Schuenke and Harrison Poland.  When the boys were around his heart was full.  

Per his request, there will be no formal services. His family will get together for an appropriate celebration of his life in the near future. Pat’s body is being donated to the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health program so it can be used in the training of physicians and other healthcare professionals.  If you so desire, memorials can be sent to Rainbow Hospice.  Pat would also be just as happy if you toasted him with a beer.  

Our family would like to give special thanks to Rainbow Hospice for their incredible commitment, compassion and care.  An extra special thank you goes out to friend and Hospice Nurse, Jolene Hosey. Thank you for taking such great care of our dad.  We would also like to thank our wonderful caregivers at the Inpatient Clinic, Tess and Deb.  Even though we were only there for a short time, you made us feel like family.  

We will miss you Pat, Dad, and Gramps!  Hope you’re listening to your favorite Count Basie tune while drinking a beer somewhere! Slainte!