Patrick J. Sugden

MADISON-Patrick J. “Pat” Sugden, age 50, of Madison, died on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, after a long courageous battle with cancer.  He was born in Madison, on Nov. 6, 1966, to Robert L. and Bette (Schlereth) Sugden.  He graduated from La Follette High School in 1985 and later from Madison Area Technical College in 1986 where he went on to be a Firefighter/EMT for several years.  Most recently he was employed by Madison Gas & Electric from December 1999 until April 2017.   Pat enjoyed life.  He loved watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Milwaukee Brewers.  He was excited to witness the Super Bowl wins by his beloved Green Bay Packers and watching the Badgers Basketball team in the championship.  Pat loved to travel and had been to many places. Aruba, Cancun, Vero Beach, and Palm Springs were amongst his favorites.   Pat loved dogs and had several during his lifetime.  His four legged friends that he will be reunited with are Bandit and Oliver, while the ones he leaves behind are Buddy and Sammy.  Buddy was at Pat’s side during his battle with cancer.  Pat believed Buddy knew he was sick before anyone else did. Buddy instinctively knew when Pat was in pain and would remain by his side to provide him love and comfort.   Pat loved to laugh and have fun, he often reminisced with friends and family about a lifetime of fun and laughter.  He was a risk taker and believed in living life to its fullest.  Pat also was a very proud man.  He was proud of his parents for raising two men, who he described as kind, caring, and respectful human beings, who both chose careers that allowed them to help, care, and protect others.  He was proud of his brother for being a police officer and amazing father and he was especially proud to be an uncle.  Pat enjoyed attending his nephew’s high school football games. He was proud to post pictures and updates on social media. Pat is survived by his parents; brother, Jay (Coreenia) Sugden; nephews, Nicholas (Cherlynn) Collicott, Andrew (Miranda) Collicott and Tyler Sugden; niece, Brook Luethy, uncle who was like an older brother, Paul (Barbara) Schlereth; and several other uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Pat was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Margaret Sugden; and maternal grandparents, Paul and Bernice Schlereth. Funeral Services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, with Father Randy Timmerman and the Rev. Mark Detter concelebrating. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, and again from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Pat requested that the celebration of his life be carefree and happy.  His hope was that his family and friends would honor him by wearing Packers or Badgers gear in remembrance of his love for the team and the sports. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Monona Serenity Group, 4933 Prairie Dock Dr., Madison, WI 53718.  The family would like to extend a special thanks to Pat’s AA sponsor, Jim Wallace, the entire hospice care team, and all the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for Pat at St. Mary’s Hospital and Dean Medical Centers.