Michael Patchin

MADISON-Michael Patchin, age 65, of Madison, passed away on Oct. 1, 2016, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Sept. 4, 1951, in Madison, the son of Norman and Faye (Pease) Patchin. He met his soulmate, Tess in 1984 and they spent the next 28 years together. Mike worked for the UW-Madison in maintenance for over 30 years, retiring in 2013. He was an avid reader with an extensive library, who loved history and sci-fi. Mike was also a prolific and soulful writer, with many wonderful poems and short stories. He was a generous, kind and gentle self-described "hippie," who was easy-going, yet opinionated and loved debating the provocative issues of the day. Mike is survived by his sisters, Jane Rothwell, Lois Smith and Susan (Johannes) Egger; brothers, Patrick (Katie) Patchin and William (Hannelore) Patchin; nieces and nephews, Julie (Lary) Lippert, John (Connie) Martin, Tracy (Jeff Wilson) Patchin, Patrice (David) Redman, Valerie Valenza-Smith, Matthew (Cheryl) Patchin, Kellie Wise and Christopher Egger; special friends, Helen Veith and Linda Wild; and his beloved pets, Zoe, Foo and Jezebel. He was preceded in death by his parents; life partner, Theresa "Tess" Jahn; brothers-in-law, George Rothwell and William Smith; and nephew, Jeffrey Martin. A celebration of Mike's life will be held at a later date. Please direct any memorials to the Dane County Humane Society. The family would like to give a special thanks to the fantastic 5 Southwest staff of St. Mary's Hospital for their compassionate care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420