Muscoda/Castle Rock, WI – Patrick C. “Pat” Shemak Jr., age 57 of Castle Rock Twsp., Grant Co., WI died on Tuesday evening Jan. 6, 2015 at U.W. Hospital in Madison. Pat was born on Aug. 5, 1957 in Dodgeville, WI the son of Patrick Sr. and Mary (Zwolanek) Shemak. He married Connie Kreul on Sept. 29, 1979 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Highland, WI.
Pat and his wife Connie owned and operated the Castle Rock Ridge restaurant for 16 years from 1980-1996. During that time Pat also operated the kitchens at Southwest Technical College and Rayovac in Fennimore, and Red’s in Highland. After selling the Ridge, Pat worked at the Hodan Center in Mineral Point where he created Papa Pat’s Farmhouse Recipes, which are still created and distributed by the individuals at the center today. Pat later worked at Cabela’s in Prairie du Chien, retiring in 2013 after the untimely death of his wife Connie. Most recently Pat volunteered to cook at a homeless shelter in Florida while staying with his daughter Amy, and at Lake Valley Camp in Boscobel during the summer months.
Pat was a very giving and hardworking man who didn’t waste a single minute in life. His nieces and nephews loved spending time with “uncle Charlie” and looked forward to his birthday when instead of taking the day for himself, he would take them to the zoo. Pat was also a great gift giver as seen in the 80 roses he gave to his mother-in-law Fern on her 80th birthday, and his famous 5-chocolate-chocolate cup cakes. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and was very proud of his collection of elephants. Above all, Pat cherished the time spent with his daughter Amy and granddaughter Nallia. Pat was an extraordinary man whose willingness to help others and never ending energy will forever be remembered.
Pat is survived by his beloved daughter Amy (Michael) Murphy of Stevens Point, WI along with granddaughter Nallia Murphy. Patrick is also survived by his siblings; Mike (Lynnette) Shemak, Dan (Carla) Shemak, and Tom (Kelly) Shemak all of Highland, mother and father-in-law, John (Fern) Kreul of Montfort, sister and brother-in-laws; Kathy Shemak of Dodgeville, Theresa (Harold) Pink of Highland, John (Kathy) Kreul of Highland, Peggy Johnson of Montfort, and Jim (Chris) Kreul of Reedsburg, along with many special nieces and nephews.
Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Connie on Nov. 26, 2013, sister Chris Shemak, brother Peter Shemak, and niece Stephanie Jo Shemak.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday Jan. 10, 2015 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Castle Rock Twsp., Grant Co., WI with burial to follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4-8:00 P.M. on Friday evening Jan. 9, 2015 at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort where a Rosary Service will be held at 3:30 P.M. Online condolences may be made at larsonfuneralhomes.com