Patrick David Lawless

In Loving Memory of Patrick David Lawless (1965–2025)

A life marked by purpose, passion, perseverance, and punchlines.

Patrick David Lawless, born in 1965 in St. Louis, Missouri, passed away after a fiercely courageous 18-year battle with brain cancer– a journey he faced not once, but twice– with unwavering optimism, fierce determination, and his signature wit.

He is survived by his devoted wife and soulmate, Jessica, and their two beautiful daughters, MacKenzie and Kaelyn, who were the light of his life and the reason behind every fight, every joke, and every sunrise he chose to see with joy. His legacy continues in his brothers Tim and Michael, and in the countless lives of the friends he touched along the way.

Patrick was the proud son of David James Lawless, Jr. and Joan Catherine Spencer, and was raised with strong Midwestern values in Fox Point, Wisconsin. He graduated from Saint Eugene Grade School, then Dominican High School in Whitefish Bay, before pursuing his passion for service at the University of Arizona and ultimately earning his degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

A born leader and entrepreneur, Patrick took the helm of the family business in Milwaukee, becoming an influential owner and manufacturer’s representative in the electrical and green technology industries. Under his leadership, the company flourished, shaped by his steady belief in hard work, clear purpose, and the trust and respect he so naturally inspired in others. But as Patrick would often say, “Whatever your problem is, it can always be solved with action.” And when his tumor returned with new growth, he made the painful decision to sell the business he built to fiercely focus on the battle he never intended to lose.

Yet Patrick’s truest passion wasn’t profit– it was people. Whether mentoring professionals in recovery, coaching youth, helping friends through personal storms, or delivering his “life sermons” through heartfelt advice and well-timed humor, Patrick lived to serve, uplift, and inspire.

He often said:

“From tossing the bottle of booze in the trash 33 years ago, to growing my company, to being forced to sell it and fight brain cancer– twice– I am relentlessly optimistic. I mentor others to overcome what blocks their greatness. Blood, sweat, and tears are facts of life– but a winner’s mindset provides hope and leads to personal success.”

Patrick had the rare ability to be both wise and wildly witty– a life philosopher disguised as your best friend with a dad joke at the ready. His favorite sayings weren’t just catchy, they were how he lived:

“Choose challenge over comfort.”

“Home is not a place; it’s the people.”

“It’s a great day if you pooped, laughed, and cried!”

“When we fail, we should teach. When we learn, we should share.”

“If you want something different, you need to do something different.”

“A person’s most important asset is not a head full of facts– it’s a heart full of kindness and love.”

He could reframe any situation with humor and wisdom– like seeing dandelions not as weeds, but as wishes; or focusing not on whether the glass is half full or empty, but saying, “Let’s talk about the benefit of ice.” Even in illness, he reminded us, “Excuse me, I am now out of rehab– hopefully that explains my behavior.”

His “Three L’s”– Love, Learn, and Listen– are now a guiding light for those he leaves behind.

Patrick didn't just talk about living a good life– he lived it. Boldly. Authentically. Joyfully. And in his own words, “I don’t need to preach a sermon– I just need to live a sermon.” And oh, how beautifully he did.

His presence in this world was a gift, and though he has left this physical realm, his love, laughter, and lessons will ripple through generations.

We miss him deeply– but we know that “Angels can be everywhere– that’s why God gave us friends.”

Rest well, Patrick.

You were a husband, a father, a brother, a son, an uncle, a friend, and a beacon of relentless optimism.

You saw wishes in weeds, ice in every glass, and joy even in the pain.

You taught us not just how to live– but how to live well.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

Fox Point Lutheran Church

7510 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Fox Point, WI

Visitation: 10:30 am - 1:00 pm

Service: 1:00 pm

Reception to follow, location to be announced later

If inclined, please wear something colorful

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (http://www.stjude.org) requested.