Pat Spielman was one of the driving forces behind the formation of
the Scrollsaw Association of the World. SAW is the result of his
aspirations for the scrolling community. Pat has served as a member of
the Board of Advisors for SAW since its beginnings. He was also the
first recipient of the Lifetime Membership Award given out by SAW.
A thread was started on the SAW forum with regard to the passing of
Pat Spielman. If you would like to add your thoughts, please click
here and post your comments. These will be printed and mailed to
Mrs. Spielman at a later date. Below is a copy of the obituary for Pat
that was printed in the Green Bay newspaper. Appropriate address's
are provided there for your private messages to the family.
For all of you that have enjoyed Pat's books, who have learned to
enjoy scrolling as a result of those books or from meeting Pat in
person, we will all miss him greatly. Scrolling has lost a wonderful
friend, a true gentleman and a truly gentle man. Our hearts go out to
his family and friends at their loss.
Patrick E. (Mr. Pat) Spielman died suddenly Wednesday, Oct. 27, at
his home in Fish Creek as the result of an apparent heart attack. He was
born March 17, 1936, in Spring Lake Township, Minn. to Andrew M. and
Della Jean (Ince) Spielman. Patrick graduated from University of
Wisconsin-Stout in 1958 with a Bachelors degree in Industrial Arts. He
was married to Patricia (Mrs. Pat) Rogers June 7, 1958. He spent 27
years as a high school woodworking instructor, 23 of them at Gibraltar
High School. Through use of hands-on techniques he inspired his students
to create innovation and practical projects. Motivating his students to
apply themselves and develop their talents was his passion, and he
leaves behind hundreds of dedicated students as part of his legacy.
Patrick was a world-renowned author of over 65 woodworking books with
special editions published in several languages. He began working on his
first book at the age of 24, and continued authoring books, including
two current projects, over the span of his 46 year career. In addition
to his success as an entrepreneur, he was a sought after process and
design consultant to industry leading (woodworking equipment)
manufacturers, and a respected spokesperson for innovative and quality
industry products. His entrepreneurial ventures were a result of his
innovative spirit and creative mind. Patrick, along with wife Patricia,
began a business out of his workshop in 1974 with his own hand-crafted
products, turnings, signs and cedar lawn furniture. The business grew to
include consignment and manufactured products and moved to its current
location in downtown Fish Creek in 1982. In March of 2003, Patrick was
honored with the James Huff Stout Award. The honor is given to a
distinguished alumnus for their work in enhancing the prestige of
UW-Stout and enriching the lives of those touched by their work.
Pat is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; son, Robert (Bonnie),
Baileys Harbor; daughter, Sherri (Luke) Valitchka, De Pere; daughter,
Sandra (Bernie) Friedenfels, Jacksonport; two grandchildren, Zoe
Samantha-Ann Valitchka; Sophia Marie Friedenfels, and a third grandchild
expected in November; and sister, Winnifred (Andrew) Schoenbauer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Donald and
Robert; and step-father Nick Wolf.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor
of Patrick Spielman. Donations may be mailed to: Patrick Spielman
Memorial Fund, c/o Baylake Bank, Attn: Judy Smith, P.O. Box 46, Fish
Creek, WI 54212.
Patrick Spielman
