Racine- Patrick J. Taggart Jr., 68, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home, while praying the Rosary with family and friends, on Monday, October 17, 2011. Throughout his entire life, while struggling with a rare lung disease, Pat never complained and always remained positive.
A lifetime resident, Patrick was born in Racine on December 5, 1942 to the late Patrick J. and Mary C. (nee: Cunningham) Taggart, Sr. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1960.
On June 20, 1964 in St. Edward Catholic Church, Pat was united in marriage with the love of his life, Diane M. (nee: Fergus) Taggart. He was employed as a methods technician for Ametek until his compromised health forced him to retire in 1991.
A man with tremendous faith, Pat was a devoted member of St. Lucy Catholic Church and the Secular Franciscan Third Order. He was a former member of Wisconsin Instinctive Bowmen, Belle City Communicators and the St. Paschal Baylon Fraternity. Pat was extremely faithful to daily prayer and lending an ear to someone in need. Among his interests, he enjoyed camping and fishing with his family; and hunting with his sons, grandchildren and brother, Brian.
Surviving are his loving wife of 47 years, Diane; their children, Colleen (Michael) Benner, Patrick (Brenda) Taggart, Michael (Cynthia) Taggart, Robert Taggart and Maureen (Bill) Radtke; grandchildren, Evan, Mikaela, Caley Rose, Alec and Eryn Benner; Lauren and Patrick Taggart; Nikkolas, Caoilfhionn, Mackenzie Taggart; Taylor and Meghann Taggart; brothers, Dennis (Barbara) Taggart, Kevin (Mary) Taggart, Timothy (Reyna) Taggart and Brian (Mary) Taggart; sister, Judith (Carl) Erkander; sisters-in-law, Jean Hagemann, Donna (Larry) Pias and Dolores Fergus; many nieces, nephews, God-children and friends, including special friends, Larry and Rosemary Jansen, who brought Holy Communion to Pat, shared faith and prayed the Rosary together over the years.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Mary Taggart; second parents, William and Mary Fergus; and sisters, Patricia Erickson and Mary Trefren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 6:00 pm in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark Jones, Rev. Sean Granger and Rev. Steve Hansen officiating. Private Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park on Wednesday. Visitation will be in St. Lucy Church on Tuesday from 3:00 – 5:45 pm. Memorials to St. Lucy Church or St. Lucy School have been suggested.
Thank you to Wheaton Franciscan Hospice, especially Mary, April and Kathy; Dr. James Gierahn and Kelly; Dr. Thomas Foley; Dr. Kevin McCabe and Frannie for a lifetime of loving care that Pat received. Special thanks to the members of recovery community, especially Wes; and to our church family at St. Lucy, especially the daily prayer group, for the all the love and support given to Pat in his time of need. May God continue to bless all of you!
Jennifer and David Kewith says
We will always remember Uncle Pat riding his golf cart at Lynn Ann’s and fishing on the lake. He was a wonderful man who will be missed. All our love to Aunt Diane and family.
Jennie, Dave and Chelsea
Mike Poppell says
Maureen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May God comfort you and grant you peace.