Patrick Michael Fitzgerald Obituary, MARINETTE, Wis. — Patrick Michael Fitzgerald, 48, of Marinette, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026. He will be remembered for the life he lived, his service in the United States Coast Guard, his longtime career in Marinette, and the many people who were fortunate to know him.
Fitzgerald was born on June 10, 1978, in Washington State to Walter Fitzgerald and Victoria Hamrick. He graduated from Elma High School in Elma, Washington, in 1997. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, beginning a period of service that would eventually connect him to the Marinette community.
In 2000, Fitzgerald came to Marinette with his Coast Guard crew to retrieve the newly commissioned USCGC Henry Blake, which had been built by Marinette Marine Corporation. The journey to bring the vessel from Marinette to the Seattle, Washington, area, where it was stationed, took four months.
Following his Coast Guard service and the birth of his son, Fitzgerald returned to the Marinette area and chose to make the community his home. His knowledge and interest in ships led to a long career with Marinette Marine Corporation, where he worked for 20 years as a lead scheduler. He also worked for Trident and was most recently employed at Winsert in Marinette. Fitzgerald was also a member of the Marinette Elks Lodge #1313.
Outside of work, Fitzgerald enjoyed the outdoors and relaxing, as well as following his Pacific Northwest sports teams. He was a fan of the Seattle Seahawks and continued to follow the Mariners baseball team, maintaining a connection to his Washington roots. He attended many Mariners games with family during visits back home. He also valued time spent with friends, good meals, socializing, and enjoying a fine cigar.
Family and friendships were an important part of Fitzgerald’s life. Growing up, he shared a special relationship with his uncle Marshall, whom he considered a brother, and he dearly loved his grandfather, Pop Pop, spending as much time with him as possible. In Marinette, he developed many close friendships and was known for engaging conversations and a sense of humor that brought laughter to those around him. He was especially proud of his children, Addison and Willow, frequently sharing their photos and accomplishments, and took pride in being a grandfather to his granddaughter, Naomi.
Fitzgerald is survived by his son, Addison (Megan) Fitzgerald, and granddaughter, Naomi Fitzgerald; daughter, Willow Johnson; mother, Victoria Hamrick; father, Walter Fitzgerald; uncles Montie (Gina) Rask and Marshall (Sam) Rask; childhood friend Lisa Zimmerman; special friends Phil LeAnna and Ken Peterson; as well as many cousins, other family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Vern and Mildred Rask, and his uncle, Mitchell Rask.
No services will be held at this time. A celebration of life is planned for a later date, with Cadieu Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements. Patrick Michael Fitzgerald will be remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and the Marinette community for the life he shared with those around him. Condolences are extended to his family and loved ones as they mourn his passing and honor his memory.
