Patrick Michael McDaniel might not have been the best singer in the world, but he loved to do it, making up words and silly songs that made his kids giggle endlessly. His sense of humor was whip-smart yet often leaned on bad dad puns and ridiculous old TV references. His smile and wit brought happiness to those closest to him.

Pat died on March 18, 2026. He was 79. Pat is survived by his wife, Mary McDaniel (nee Hart) of Madison; his daughter, Colleen McDaniel (John Roberts) of Denver, Colo.; his son, Ryan McDaniel (Kelly McDaniel) of Chapel Hill, N.C.; and two brothers, Terry McDaniel of Oshkosh and Tim McDaniel of Santa Monica, Calif. Pat was predeceased by his parents, Derrald and Nancy McDaniel (nee Massino); sister, Pamela Bowen; and brother, Chris McDaniel.

Pat was born in Milwaukee, where he attended Messmer High School, starring on the football and track and field teams. After high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he discovered a love of theater. It was through theater that he met future wife, Mary. A cast party brought them together, and he quickly knew she was the one. Shortly after they met, he went on a vacation, yet wrote love letters to her each day as he explored coastal California. The two married in August 1968, and they moved to Oregon, Wis., in the late 1970s. The area has been their home ever since.

Pat worked for a number of tech companies, including IBM and Oracle, over the years, serving as a software consultant, a job that kept him on the road far more than he would have liked. He traveled most weeks but was always home on the weekends so he could spend time with his wife and kids and enjoy their myriad interests. He never missed a nightly phone call from the road and made sure his family knew they held the biggest space in his heart. When his kids married, he welcomed their spouses with the same big heart and bad jokes.

Pat’s happy place was being on the Fence Lake chain in Lac Du Flambeau, whether it was driving the boat endlessly while his kids and their friends learned to waterski or wakeboard, or fishing for hours at a time, patiently baiting his daughter’s hook because she loved to fish but hated touching worms.

Fishing was his biggest passion, and he treasured his trips to the Boundary Waters with his son. After retirement, he and Mary would spend their summers at their home in Lac Du Flambeau. There, he’d fish every morning, meticulously maintaining a fishing log, which he shared with guests to the lake house, challenging them to earn a spot on the coveted list. After decades of fishing, Pat finally caught his musky in 2008, fulfilling a lifetime dream. He also was a master chef when it came to his catches, putting anyone’s Friday night fish fry to shame.

Pat loved to play cards, and the family spent hours playing penny-ante poker at get-togethers. Cribbage and canasta were in the regular rotation. His love was the experience, and winning was never the aim; the important thing was spending time with the people he cherished.

He told terrible dad jokes, many informed by his love of Mad magazine. His appreciation of terrible humor was definitely passed on to his kids, who quote him still, much to the chagrin of their loved ones.

A huge fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers, Pat found comfort in watching his teams especially after a 2015 stroke stole his voice and movement along with the ability to participate in many of the other things that made him happy over the years. When football was on, Pat was happier.

Pat’s family thanks the staff at Oakwood Village, UW Health and Interim Home Health for caring for him when he most needed it.

Respecting Pat’s wishes, there will be no services.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Patrick McDaniel

March 12, 1947 - March 18, 2026

Send Local Flowers & Gifts for Patrick

Categories