Patrick "Pat" Lawrence Wightman

Patrick L. Wightman, age 74 of Caroline passed away Sunday September 28, 2025 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton.

Patrick “Pat” Lawrence Wightman, or “Whitey,” as he was known by those close to him, was born March 24, 1951 in Oshkosh, WI; son to the late Grant & Barbara (Gavin) Wightman. He attended Winneconne Schools and later graduated with the class of 1969. He had numerous jobs after high school, but discovered that he had a knack for painting and wall papering. He worked for Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh for a number of years as their in-house painter. Pat was united in marriage to Loretta L. Freriks on November 9, 1985 in Waupun, WI. The couple built a home, and it was at this time that Pat became very interested in the construction process. He worked alongside his builder and decided that he really enjoyed building. After that, Pat worked more as a builder and renovation contractor than a painter. He had also gone to auctioneering school in 1981 and continued to use his skills at local auctions until about the year 2000. The couple bought a farm property in the Manawa area, a dream of Pat’s for a long while; a place where he could work on his projects and store his toys. He also had an interest in cars and trucks, having owned over 30 different vehicles throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed buying and selling just as much as driving and working on them. Pat and Loretta bought a winter property in Florida which they fixed up and stayed in for three seasons before selling the home. They also enjoyed a month-long road trip out West in an RV, which they enjoyed immensely. In his younger years, Pat enjoyed fishing the local streams and lakes, as well as duck hunting. After retirement around 2011, Pat enjoyed smaller wood working projects around home, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle for day trips around the state, as well as longer trips out West to places like Sturgis. He enjoyed car shows and chatting with friends and neighbors. As any of his friends can attest, Pat had the gift of gab; comfortable with conversing with anyone and making friends wherever he went. In 2018, Pat and Loretta moved to Caroline where they have lived since. Having no children of his own, Pat loved his many canine companions over the years: Bear, Max, Mudd, Izzy, & Mabel. He will be remembered as a friendly person, a hard worker, and a devoted husband. 

Pat is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Loretta
Sisters: Linda Breaker, Kathy Biggar, Marybeth (Jeff) Winter, & Joan Wightman
Brother: Michael (David Lloyd) Wightman
Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Anita (Duane) Timm; and his brother-in-law, Tom Breaker.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the Christ Congregational Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Jill Meyer officiating. 

Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 11 AM until the time of service. 

Memorials in Pat’s name are preferred to be directed to the Waupaca County Humane Society. www.waupacahumane.org

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Wightman family with arrangements. 

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.