We are sad to report the death of Michael Patrick who died unexpectedly of an emotional heart attack. His death comes as shock since those closest to him had no reason to suspect that he suffered from dangerously high emotional cholesterol or that he carried inside him some congenital heart disease that had not yet manifested itself clearly and had not been medically or psychologically diagnosed. In the face of this, understandably, we find ourselves questioning ourselves as to why we were not more alert or attentive to his person and his health and why we did not pick up on any symptoms manifesting themselves in his situation. Sometimes a potentially fatal disease can lurk beneath the surface and remain unobserved until it is too late. Such is the nature, often times, of deadly heart attacks and strokes. While his death leaves us feeling raw, struggling for understanding, at loss to explain how this could happen, and needing to resist the temptation project a certain anger at him for keeping his disease so private and hidden, we can also understand that much of his disease was hidden from him too and that the anatomy of this particular kind of death has within itself a particularly pernicious pathology which demands of its victim precisely this tenacity to hide what he is undergoing from those closest to him. And this asks for our understanding: Everyone's life is its own mystery, and not always open to outside understanding. Moreover, emotional heart attacks and strokes, like their biological equivalents, are not willed and claim their victim against their will. Mike was a gentle soul who wished no one any harm. He, no doubt, is as grieved as we are that his unwanted death has caused so much pain. But, no doubt too, he asks for our continued love and affection and, especially, for our understanding. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local mental health association.

It is hard to lose loved ones to suicide, but we should not also lose the truth and warmth of their mystery and their memory. Please remember Mike as the funny guy he was. He loved his family so much. He prided himself on memory making and raising his children to be productive members of society by showing them what hard work and being true to yourself can get you. Mike lost himself in his happy places that included being with family, working, hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking and of course dirt biking. Remember the good times and good memories you hold. If there is even one person that we can reach so that their loved ones don't have to feel how we feel then we've done our job.

Show kindness, an openness to talk, and more importantly to listen, to see, to hear without judgement. If only to save one family from the pain and anguish of losing a loved one through bringing awareness to this tragic and senseless loss of life, then our beloved Mike's death will not be in vain.

Survived by his wife, Patty; children, Brandon, Riley, Makenzie, Lincoln and Sophie; parents, Joe and Pamela Patrick; sister and brother in law, Kelly and Adam Flagstadt; nieces, Emma and Addison.

The family has held a small private funeral. A future date will be announced that we would like for all to join us in celebrating the life Mike lead and continue his legacy. Online condolences are welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com .

A special thank you to the Green Bay Police Department. An extra thank you to Officer Meyer. You truly went above and beyond.

Thank you to everyone at Sustana for giving Mike a home away from home. He was thrilled to be a part of your culture. Thank you for being a part of his happiness.