Patrick F. Beno

Patrick Beno, our dear Dad, passed on to the care of the Lord on January 31, 2019. Dad was born July 15, 1931, the son of John and Dorothy. He married Joanne Jaegers on April 11, 1953.

He entered the plumbing trade and, along with his brothers Jack and Jerry, for many years ran the business that their father founded. Beno Plumbing did commercial and industrial work throughout northeast Wisconsin. Always a man of faith, Dad grew more and more in his Christian Catholic faith through the years. He went to retreats, was president of the local chapter of Catholics United for the Faith, was integral in the men’s group Esto Vir, was part on the founding of Relevant Radio, attended Wanderer Forums and other conferences, and was involved in the Pro-Life movement. Pat was a CCD teacher for Fr. Tony Dolski at St. Joseph’s Church on the west side of Green Bay. He counted many priests as friends and two of his main mentors were Fr. John Hardon, S.J. and Fr. Richard Gilsdorf. Perhaps Dad’s happiest accomplishment was getting into print two books of Fr. Gilsdorf, “Signs Of The Times” and “Go To Joseph”, a small spiritual work on the life of St. Joseph. Fr. Gilsdorf entrusted his papers to Dad who then sought simply to self-publish a few things to pass around to anyone interested. He was greatly surprised when a publisher came forward and the success of both books.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help (Robinsonville) was an important place of prayer for Dad and Mom. For many years they visited and Dad participated in holy days. In recent years Dad really enjoyed his volunteer time there guiding and answering questions of the pilgrim visitors.

Dad was a voracious reader, mostly of non-fiction related to his Catholic faith and history, but also getting into more novels in recent years. Some of his favorite writers were G.K. Chesterton, George Weigel, and Michael O’Brien.

Dad and Mom supported numerous charities including Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity. One of Dad’s happiest moments was when he met Mother Theresa and had the opportunity to have a private conversation with her.

Dad enjoyed movies, especially John Wayne and other westerns and WWII classics, playing golf, and planting a flower garden. He really enjoyed time spent with family at cottages in Door County and Minocqua. He loved his grandchildren.

We all love and appreciate our Dad and Grandfather very much. He was kind and friendly, thoughtful, patient, and generous. He worked very hard to take care of his wife and children, to give us a good home. He set an example for us of prayer and faith and of seeking the truth- the truth that is Jesus the Savior. May Dad now meet his Savior face-to-face and enjoy the vision of God forever.

Patrick was preceded in death by his wife Joanne, February 9, 2008, granddaughter Elizabeth and great grandson Collin.

He is survived by his five children: Dan (Kellie), Mary Gouin (Dave), Tim, Betsey, and Patrick. Grandchildren: Ryan, Andrew, Phillip (Jenny), Maria, Rebecca (Chris), Joseph, Matthias, Sam (Brittany), Elijah, Kirsten (David), Kyle. Great Grandchildren: Maddie, Matthew, Gianna, Ronen, Jacinta, Kaiya. He is also survived by one brother, Dr. Tom Beno and one sister, Mary Lou Vanden Avond

Thank you to Amy Rosteing, Jim Ball, Jim Gustafson, Sr. Dorothy Wagner, Kathy Mullooly, and Deacon Greg Rotherham for their visits and bringing Dad Holy Communion. Thank you for not forgetting him. Thank you to the CNA’s and staff at Angel’s Touch for being such a blessing in your thoughtful, patient, tireless care for Dad and others. You do a very good and sacred thing.

Dad would sing: "You've got to wake up each day with a smile!"

Visitation will be on Monday, February 4, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 140 S. Monroe Ave, Green Bay, where Dad was baptized, from 9:00am until 11:15am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am with his son, Fr. Patrick Beno officiating and Deacon Greg Rotherham assisting. Entombment in the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.