Patrick J. McKernon, age 68 of River Falls, died Saturday, September 2, 2023, at his home in River Falls.

Pat was born along with his brother, on August 25, 1955, in Wausau, WI.  He was the son of Arnold and Lucille (Zeug) McKernon and grew up in Elmwood.  Pat graduated from Elmwood High School in 1973.  Pat attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  Pat worked as an IT Specialist for 3M in St. Paul for 35, years, retiring in 2016.

Pat enjoyed golfing, deer hunting (not necessarily shooting), attending sporting events and going to Wisconsin Dells with family.  He loved fishing brown trout in the Eau Galle River on opening day and also going on a houseboat in Canada annually with 7 friends, (and slaying walleye).  One of his fishing buddies said his favorite time with Pat was sitting on the roof of the houseboat watching the Northern Lights.  Pat was a loving, kind, fun and generous brother, uncle, great uncle, and friend to many.  Pat loved spending time with family and friends.

Pat is survived by a sister, Jan Venegas of Cypress, CA, a twin brother, Michael (Ann) McKernon of Owatonna, MN; nieces and nephews, David Allyan, Meghan Newkirk, Melissa (Duane James) McKernon, Sam (Jill) McKernon, Katie (Chris) Powless; several great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Brandt.

Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday September 15, 2023, at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood.

Condolences

1. Deb Robole September 19, 2023, at 10:59am

   Pat’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of family and friends that reminds us of how dearly he was loved. Special condolences to Mike, his other heart beat. Pat, I see your mouth turned up in a smile; your watching Star Trek every Friday night like clockwork; your trying to beat me at ice hockey…You had a life well-lived and love-filled.

2. Brad Lankford September 15, 2023, at 8:35pm

   Please accept my condolences with respect to Pat’s passing. I was fortunate to work with Pat at 3M and to play golf with him in many locals around the world. Pat was a smart, funny, honest and humble friend. Pat’s grin and facial expressions were so true that you knew what he was thinking before he said anything! You will be greatly missed but not forgotten my friend.

3. Greg Weber September 12, 2023, at 4:25pm

   Mike, Ann, and Jan sending our deep and heartfelt sympathy to you, your family and friends. My elementary, middle, and high school years are filled with “McKernon memories.” Mike, you and Pat enriched my childhood. May Pat rest in peace.

   Greg & Paulynn Weber

4. Jerry W Kroseman September 12, 2023, at 2:17pm

   Pat was a smart, industrious, kind, wonderful individual. Many memories of those years in Elmwood. He was blessed to grow up there with the values we all inherited from parents, teachers, and residents. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to Mike and family.

5. Matt Meade September 11, 2023, at 8:39am

   So sorry to hear we have lost Pat. Pat and I knew each other at River Falls but we didn't realize we were both going to work at 3M where we ended up working together quite a bit. Pat was alway so helpful and patient. He will be greatly missed!

6. Twylah Ottman September 9, 2023, at 5:09pm

   Mike and Ann my deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your twin brother. Prayers and warm thoughts are sent to you.

7. Scott Werner September 9, 2023, at 4:25pm

   So very sorry to hear of Pat's passing. Many fond memories of him.

8. Catherine Gasteyer September 9, 2023, at 6:13am

   I’m so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. May fond memories ease your loss.

9. Bob Lecheler September 8, 2023, at 8:54pm

   I have very fond memories as a classmate of Pat's. He was intelligent, funny, athletic, and caring. His family was very good to me. I was looking forward to seeing him and Mike at our upcoming reunion and recalling the many wonderful events of our school years. May he rest in peace.

10. Dick & Jean (Crownhart) Zeithaml September 8, 2023, at 8:37pm

    We were so sorry to hear of the loss of Pat and we offer our deepest sympathy to his family. He was always so friendly to run into… usually UFO Days (or a funeral). He will be missed and remembered.

11. Dave Hoffman September 8, 2023, at 5:53pm

    The first Saturday in May Pat and his trout fishing partner Ted Pedersen were on the Eau Galle River near Elmwood…..so was I….I talked to Pat on those mornings many times….it was an annual event and a great conversation…then of course he and Ted would later head to Canterbury Downs to enjoy the Kentucky Derby…..my sincere condolences to the McKernons….especially to Mike.

12. Clark and Susan Collett September 8, 2023, at 4:47pm

    Sorry for your families loss. We remember Pat from High School as being a a very nice person, who from what we have heard, grew up to be just as well liked as an adult. May the memories of Pat bring you smiles and ease the pain.
    Clark & Sue Collett,

13. Margery Robole-Ginsbach September 8, 2023, at 7:11am

    I am so sorry to hear about Pat! He was such a delightful person, always friendly and we loved chatting about the "good old days of growing up in Elmwood" and all the times I took care of him and his siblings when his parents were out for the night! Wonderful family and fun children, you will always be remembered, Pat!!

14. Don Hardy & Marti September 7, 2023, at 6:50pm

    We are so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. We're hoping warm memories help the loss.

15. Theodore J Langlois September 7, 2023, at 5:29pm

    I will always remember the great times as roommates at UW River Falls

16. Mary Hartung September 7, 2023, at 5:06pm

    Dear Mike, Anne, and Jan,
    So deeply sorry to hear of the loss of Pat. I was so looking forward to seeing him at our 50th class reunion. As you said he was such a kind, gentle, and loving guy! He will be missed by the Class of '73. Rest in Peace, Pat!

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