Patrick “Pat” R. Cantlon

Patrick “Pat” R. Cantlon, 77, died October 7, 2021, at Franciscan Mayo Hospital in La Crosse, with family present.

Patrick was born November 10, 1943, to La Verne and Margaret (Sheehy) Cantlon. Pat graduated from Gale-Ettrick High in 1961, where he excelled in everything related to agriculture. Pat received a Wisconsin Star Farmer Award. Upon graduation, he immediately joined the Peace Corps and was sent to Punjab, India, one of India’s most fertile regions, where he was able to put his agricultural skills to use in very significant ways — digging wells, increasing food production and more. Consequently, Pat was soon invited to teach India-bound Peace Corps volunteers. Later, he, along with his former wife, Abby, was sent back to Punjab as a supervisor. After this, Pat studied toward his Doctorate in Agriculture and later taught at various universities, eventually settling at UW-River Falls. Pat maintained keen interest in agriculture, politics, sports and life long learning for his entire life.

Pat is survived by his son, Ben (Kristin) Cantlon; and their two delightful daughters: Ava and Willa; sisters: Colleen (Jim) Greenwald, Bridget Olson, Joan (George) Guyant/Cantlon, Angela (Bruce) Pry/Cantlon; brother, Mike (Marty Fox) Cantlon; and a special, dedicated friend, Jill Eliason.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved sister, Ann Cantlon Dodge. 

A remembrance for Pat will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021, beginning at 12:00 p.m., at the Ettrick Ballpark Pavilion.

Any memorial donations (which are not expected) will be given to organizations dedicated to arresting the scourge of alcohol.