Patrick J. Gilligan

Patrick James Gilligan 82, of Bloomington, MN died suddenly on October 12, 2022. He was born in Rochester, MN on March 29, 1940. An avid athlete, Patrick played high school hockey and tennis at John Marshall High School, after which he moved to Minneapolis, attending the University of Minnesota. During this time, he married and started his family. Upon graduating from college with a degree in mechanical engineering, he was immediately hired by Pako/Photo Control Corporation, where he worked happily for many years. Leaving this job, he became the president of Nortech Systems, a position he kept until his retirement. Continuing his desire to make an impact, he worked for Integrated Electronics, his son-in-law's company, designing an inventory system still functioning today. A humble man, he was greatly loved and respected, connecting with those who worked for him and never considering himself "better than" or "above" others, but rather their advocate. Throughout his lifetime, Patrick's heart was oriented towards others, evidenced by his heavy involvement mentoring and giving of himself to the next generation. Even as a young man, he was involved in Junior Achievement and various church youth groups. In his later years, he ministered within his community and beyond by volunteering at Feed My Starving Children, Source Ministries and St. Olaf's homeless ministry, to name a few. His insatiable curiosity, as well as his passion for education and desire to pass it on led him to mentor and tutor students, even through the Covid pandemic. Sharp witted and passionate, Patrick went after problems with gusto, never doing anything half-heartedly; his goal was to bring beauty, order and long-lasting functionality. He could plan anything, fix anything, build anything. Patrick was defined by faithfulness, integrity, honor, justice and a hard-work ethic. With an infectious smile and contagious sense of humor, Patrick was unashamed to laugh heartily. His sparkling blue eyes were always filled with mirth and mischief and he was never one to be serious for long. When Patrick was asked what was the best day of his life, he said the day he married Sherri. When asked what was most precious to him, without hesitation, he said his children. Before his untimely death, he was looking forward to playing pickleball with his son-in-law, getting back into golf and, as usual, spending time with his grandchildren, whom he adored. Healthy until the end, it was a joy to see his relationship with Jesus grow, and his further understanding that he is beloved as an image-bearer and child of God. He was preceded in death by wife, Sherri Gilligan. He is survived by his two brothers, Tony (a.k.a. Frank) and Richard Gilligan; his four children, Dr. Christine (Dr. David) Schammel, John (Paige) Gilligan, Kim (Michael) Schiller, Cindy (Bret) Eknes; and eleven grandchildren: Dr. Joshua Schammel, Dr. Noah Schammel, Dustin Gilligan, Nissa Gilligan, Trae Gilligan, Elisa Schiller, Ashley Eknes, Oliver Eknes, Abigail Eknes, Emma Eknes, Elliot Eknes; along with nieces, nephews and friends. We grieve because we loved, but we do not grieve without hope, for Jesus has conquered even death! All services October 22, 2022, at St. Olaf Church, downtown Minneapolis: visitation 9am, funeral 10am followed by a luncheon at 11am. Burial at Dawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington MN following lunch. In lieu of flowers, please make all donations to St. Olaf Catholic Church in Patrick's name.

Tributes

Patrick J. Gilligan

March 29, 1940 - October 12, 2022

Tributes

Patrick J. Gilligan

March 29, 1940 - October 12, 2022

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