Patrick Joseph Clements

Patrick Joseph Clements, 76, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at Brookdale Memory Care in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Born on March 17, 1949, to John and Minnie (Hohlfeld) Clements, Pat was the youngest of seven children. He grew up on the family farm on Brice Prairie and later on St. Joseph’s Ridge. After graduating from West Salem High School in 1968, he joined the United States Air Force, serving proudly as a B 52 bomber crew chief at Shemya and Castle Air Force Bases.

After returning to La Crosse, Pat spent 37 years as an equipment maintainer for Crown Cork and Seal. He remained deeply connected to farming, working alongside his brothers and raising beef cattle with his close friend, Scott Bakkum. A skilled handyman, he built the family home with the help of loved ones.

Pat loved horses, hunting, and the outdoors. He taught his children to ride, enjoyed trail rides and gymkhanas, and cherished deer hunting season at the “hunting shack” on Middle Ridge. He and his wife, Lee, also treasured weekends camping and fishing at Lake Arbutus. His loyal dog, Dusty Rose, was never far from his side and brought him comfort and companionship throughout the years.

Above all, Pat loved his family. His greatest joy was being “Grandpa Pat” to Zachary and Suzannah, who brought him endless pride and happiness.

Pat is survived by his wife of 22 years, Lee; his children, Amy and Sean (Alana); his grandchildren, Zachary and Suzannah; his stepsons, Joshua Taylor and Justin Godlewski (Samatha Morrison); his step grandson, Cadence Taylor; and his brother, Charles. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Minnie Clements; his brothers, Clarence, Eugene, Jerome, and John; and his sister, Elsie Kaiser.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Ridge Catholic Church on Thursday, January 8 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Brookdale Clare Bridge Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.