Patrick T. Chowaniec

Patrick “Pat” Thomas Chowaniec, age 71 of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, died on November 14, 2018 after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Pat is survived by JoAnn, his wife of 51 years, daughter Wendy (Kevin), son Tom (Katie), and daughter Amy. Pat is survived by siblings Mary, John (Frances), James (Jean), Joseph (Charlene), Michael (Cathy), Victoria, and many nieces and nephews. Pat is preceded in death by his parents and brother Francis. Pat had six grandchildren, Cora, Emma, Quinn, Emily, Summer, and Dylan. Pat was known affectionately as “Buppa”.

Pat was born on December 18th, 1946 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Maximillian and Mary (Connors) Chowaniec. Pat met JoAnn in grade school and they married in 1967. Pat graduated from Boys Tech and worked 40 years, mostly at Rexnord Corporation.

A combination of hard-work, competitive spirit, and compassion – that was Pat. Pat did everything for his wife and kids. Pat was always available to listen and provide sound advice. Pat was a coach for all three kids, and he loved golf.

In addition to AML, Pat also suffered total renal failure at age 36. After receiving a kidney from his brother John, Pat had three hip replacement surgeries, and three spine surgeries. Despite all these challenges, Pat never complained.

JoAnn (“Nana” to the grandchildren) was the rock throughout Pat’s life. Buppa and Nana, neither a college graduate, enabled all their kids to obtain graduate degrees. They were integral in the lives of their grandchildren. In retirement they cruised to Alaska (three times), Hawaii (four times), and countless times to Mexico, Panama Canal, and Caribbean. They volunteered at the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin and the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

Our family has tremendous gratitude to Pat’s donors, John for the kidney transplant and sister Vicky for the bone marrow transplant. You helped give us many wonderful years with Buppa. Thanks to Noel Court neighbors for all your help too.

At Pat’s request there will be no funeral.  Instead, a picnic is being scheduled for summer 2019 in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. An invitation will be sent. We look forward to celebrating Pat’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin at www.kidneywi.org and 414-897-8669, or to Human Concerns in South Milwaukee, WI at smhumanconcerns.org and 414-764-5340.

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