Patrick "Pat" L. Champeau

Patrick “Pat” LeRoy Champeau, 89, of Oakfield, passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at St. Francis Home. Pat was born on May 12, 1929 in Kohler, WI, the son of the late Roy and Mae (Burns) Champeau. He graduated from Oconto Falls High School in 1947. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 and served at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO until 1953. In 1953, Pat was assigned to a National Guard Unit in Fond du Lac, WI. While in the National Guard, he attended OCS (Officer Candidate School) at Ft. Benning, GA. Upon completion of that assignment, Pat was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and returned to his home National Guard Unit in Fond du Lac. On October 1961, he was called to active duty with the 32nd Red Arrow Division to serve at Ft. Lewis, WA as part of the Berlin Crisis. In 1968, he transferred to the 84th Division Army Reserves. After 38 years, Pat retired from the military with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.).



On July 26, 1958, he married Mary Shriner in Mayville, WI and in July they celebrated 60 years. Pat and Mary lived most of their married life in Oakfield, WI.



Pat attended Barber School and was a barber in Fond du Lac for 17 years. In 1972, Pat began his employment with the Oakfield Public Schools as a Maintenance Engineer and retired in 1992. During this time, he was also a school bus driver for Edmunds Bus Service for 32 years and retired in 2004.



Pat was a member of Holy Family Parish-Sacred Heart Church, Red Arrow Club, Oakfield Lions Club (District Governor 1997-98), and Lomira American Legion Post 347 (served as Past Commander). He was also a 4-H leader for many years and served as Treasurer for the Town of Oakfield Board for 14 years. He was an avid bee keeper and sold honey at the Fond du Lac Farmer’s Market. Pat was the recipient of the Fond du Lac County Senior Citizen Award which recognized him for his involvement in the community.

Pat enjoyed sports, especially watching the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, hunting and playing cards – Sheepshead and Poker with the guys. He was a people person who enjoyed socializing and spending time with friends and family, especially his children and grandchildren.



Pat is survived by his wife, Mary; three children, Kevin (Celia) Champeau of Howard, WI, Jeff Champeau of Oakfield, WI, and DeAnna (Rick Anderson) Champeau Anderson of Seymour, WI; four grandchildren, Christopher (Kendra) Champeau of Burbank, CA, Matthew Champeau of Kenosha, WI, Cooper and Isabel Anderson of Seymour, WI; special family friend, Sarada of Chicago, IL; sister, Cathay (John) Calhoun of Lilburn, GA; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Sheila Champeau of Winona, MN and Evan and Loretta Shriner of Trail, OR. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary (Lloyd) Laundrie and Bette (Andy) Shandor; three brothers, John “Jack” Champeau, David Champeau, and Jerome “Jerry” (Marlene) Champeau; nephews, Joey Shandor, Jim Powers, and Dale Shriner; great niece, Chelsea Howe. He is also preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Charles and Alice Shriner; sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen (Ray) Ost, Janice (Alex) Legleiter, Norda (Wayne) Landers, and Lucy (Florian) Lehner.



The visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday, August 6, 2018 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Avenue in Fond du Lac and again on Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 AM at St. Francis Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at St. Francis Home Chapel, 33 Everett Street in Fond du Lac. Burial will follow in Avoca Cemetery in Oakfield, with American Legion Post 347 conducting military honors.



A memorial will be established in Pat’s name.



The family extends a special thank you to the staff at St. Francis Home and Agnesian Hospice, family and friends, especially Pat’s nieces, Teri Beau and Alice (Tim) Schoonover for their care and compassion given to Pat and his family.