Patrick “Pat” Hommerding “Hummer”, age 70, of Merrill, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 16, 2020 at his home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. He was born December 27, 1949 in Merrill to the late Lawrence P. and Vivian G. (Walenczyk) Hommerding. Pat married his high school sweetheart, Carol Mosser on October 9, 1971 in Gleason, WI – a union that would last nearly 50 years. Throughout his life, Pat was an outdoorsman. He loved to bird hunt in his early years with Ben, Amanda and the family dog at the time. Dogs were a staple in the Hommerding household. It was only in his last year and half that his family was without man’s best friend. From Riley to Max, Shaq, Bailey, and finally Woody each dog took a large role in the family providing extra love and fun. Pat also loved deer hunting season. He looked forward each year to hunting with his father, brother, uncles and later son and daughter in law. While Pat enjoyed hunting, Pat’s true outdoor love was fishing. Every winter when Mother Nature and Old-Man Winter would cooperate he’d be out on the ice every chance he could get slaying crappies in his secret spots. In the spring and summer, Pat would head out on the Flowage or up to Pelican Lake using his father’s 12ft Alumacraft. For several years Pat, Lawrence, Tom, Ben, and brother-in-law Gary would take a week-long fishing trip that was the stuff of lore for years afterward. Pat also looked forward to week-long fishing adventures with family friend Ron when they camped out in the back of the truck, caught fish and drank beer. When Pat wasn’t fishing or hunting, he was spending time with the family. He loved to play cards, Cribbage, Rummy, Poker and rarely missed a family Packer game day. When the neighborhood was new, many weekend parties and poker nights were held into the early morning hours. Sometimes Pat would win, sometimes not, but he always enjoyed the company and good times. Pat would use his amazing sense of humor and infectious laugh to lift any party or difficult time. Pat seemed to have a joke for any situation, even if you heard it a few times over the years. Pat’s love for the outdoors sometimes didn’t need to go any further than his own backyard. He was an avid gardener who enjoyed working in the soil and growing all kinds of vegetables. He would grow enough to supply his family and friends with produce throughout the summer months. Pat and Carol took their kids on many amazing trips all over the country. Seeing Idaho was one particular memory the family will never forget. There were also many vacations with family friends that were notable and well remembered too. Pat and Carol traveled in retirement as well. Seeing each of their dream spots of Hawaii and Alaska and even traveling internationally for the first and last time. Beyond family trips, Pat was always there for his kids, he dressed up every Halloween, attended many of the various sporting events, and helped, along with Carol, to instill all the right values to allow Ben and Amanda to be successful and happy. Pat also became a bit of a writer in his later years, writing what might be a record number of letters to the editor. Further, he briefly served on the Merrill Township board, until he received his cancer diagnosis. Pat felt civic duty was important and that our politicians should be honest with the people. Pat “Grandpa” truly loved spending time with his grandchildren. Whether they were four-wheeling around the yard and neighbors farm, fishing, or helping grandpa plant or pick the vegetables out of the garden, the time spent together was filled with stories, life lessons, and laughter! To sum it all up, Pat led what he considered a blessed and fulfilling life with his first wife, Carol, children, and grandsons. Pat wanted people to celebrate his life, so after reading this raise a glass, shot, or whatever. Nostrovia!!!!
Survivors include his wife, Carol Hommerding, Merrill, son: Benjamin (Misty) Hommerding, San Jose, CA; daughter: Amanda (George) Vokolek, Green Bay; grandsons Grayson and Gavin; brother: Thomas (Jane) Hommerding, Phillips; sisters: Cindy Hommerding and Jan (Gary) Yonke, all of Wausau; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother in-law, and brother in-law; Jim Karau.
The family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. A memorial will take place at a later date. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com