Pat passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, at home watching the ducks in the river with DeEtte at his side. He passed due to complications from a fall on December 17, 2024. He was born June 4, 1941, to Ernest and Naomi (Sullivan) Fankhauser in Rice Lake, WI and was the youngest of three boys.

Pat graduated from Barron High School in 1959. He married DeEtte Wiesner on September 29, 1962 at Collingwood Lutheran Church and they were married just shy of 63 years. He worked for Jerome's as a USDA Meat Inspector and farmed on the “side”. He went to work at Central Motors in Cumberland until 1974 when he bought the trucking business from Max Owens. He ran Fankhauser’s Trucking for 48 1/2 years all while still farming the home farm and regrettably retired in November, 2022. The love of his horses was a constant reminder to all that saw him in one of his recognizable trucks with the horses running down the sides and wearing his beat-up cowboy hat. He loved hitching up his Percheron teams and giving rides to people at the Barron County Dairy Breakfast, Barron County Fair, Spooner Rodeo and many, many weddings.

In the early 60’s he raced Street Stock cars #6 at the Rice Lake Speedway with his brother, Jim McFetridge. Pat and Jim did many things together including passing 7 years prior, to the day. During his racing he was awarded the Sportsman’s Helmet. Pat also worked with the Barron County Sheriff’s Department as a Reserve Officer for many years and was the Chairman of Stanfold Township for 12 years.

In October, 1969 the first foster child (Mike) came to stay with Pat and DeEtte. Until 1977, they opened their home to 32 foster kids; many of which are still in contact with the family today. During this time a special bond developed with one particular child, Goodie (Sue), who ultimately changed his last name to Fankhauser.

Pat and DeEtte also participated in the Kinship Program and continue to follow Jayton in adulthood.

Pat is survived by his wife, DeEtte; three children, Robin (Jeff Kodesh) Fankhauser, Rice Lake, WI; Wendy (Raine) Swainston, Nampa, ID; and Cody (Terri Nelson) Fankhauser, Cumberland, WI; Sister-in-Law, Ruth McFetridge, South St. Paul, MN; Sister-in-law, Leone Dimler, Nampa, ID; Step-sister, Myrtle Doering, Rice Lake, WI; and Niece, Tracy (Ted) Chumbley, Bruce, WI; Nephews, Brent Fankhauser, Lake Elmo, MN and David (Laurie) Carpenter, Fremont, NE. Grandchildren, Branden (Melissa) Fankhauser, Onalaska, WI; Dustin (Serena) Fankhauser, Shell Lake, WI; Kelsey (Blaine) Geppert, Pierre, SD, Chase (Taylor) Swainston, Nampa, ID, Kanin Fankhauser, Cumberland, WI and Great-Granddaughter, Brixtyn Raine Geppert. And many honorary grandchildren.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Naomi Fankhauser; step-mother Alice Fankhauser; brother, Jim McFetridge and brother and sister-in-law, Del and Marlys Fankhauser, step brother-in-law, Marvin Doering, step-sisters June Behnke and Annie Harshman; Niece and Nephew, Mark and Marcia McFetridge.

Pat had many hunting trips and stories to tell about the exploits out west with the Lehmann crew and friends. He will be greatly missed by friends and family but is leaving behind many stories of all his adventures in hauling, hunting and horses.

In his 83 years Pat never left the farm he grew up on. Except for short hunting trips and small vacations, he always resided at the home farm. Per his wishes he will remain on the home farm for eternity.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Stanfold Lutheran Church with Pastor John Bergson officiating. Visitation will be from 2-7 PM Friday, April 4, 2025 at Kilcoyne Memorial in Rice Lake and one hour before the service. Following the fellowship a small family gathering will be at the farm for the interment.

Last Update: Apr 01, 2025 1:20 pm CDT