On May 31, 2025, Patrick J. (Pat/Peco) McGuire, 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Crestone, Colorado, from an aggressive form of metastatic melanoma.

Pat was born on March 26, 1952 in Darlington, Wisconsin to Donald and Ruth (Hale) McGuire. He was the oldest of 4 children. Pat graduated from Darlington High School in 1970. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 1974. He married Sara on Lookout Mountain, Colorado on July 25, 1986, and together they raised their daughter, Amanda, as well as several foster children, in Wisconsin, Colorado and Micronesia.

Pat enjoyed life immensely. He maintained a high level of physical fitness throughout his life. Beginning in high school, Pat competed in long-distance running events. Pat qualified for the Olympic marathon trials in 1980, and he ultimately competed in over 50 marathons, ultra-marathons and mountain burro races. Whenever possible Pat spent time outdoors, enjoying hiking, fishing, and bicycling with friends and family.

Throughout his life, Pat sought new challenges, moving with his family to areas throughout the U.S. and overseas. With each move, Pat discovered fresh opportunities and met more friends. During his life-long career in human services, Pat served developmentally disabled adults, the aging/elderly, adults struggling with addictions, children in foster care, and unhoused families and individuals. In 2005, Pat was inspired to relocate with his family to the island of Pohnpei, Micronesia, where he worked at an international Christian school, teaching mathematics and life sciences to students from many parts of the world.

Pat believed that humble service to others is the highest form of worship, and he lived his life consistently according to this principle. Pat was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a Seventh-day Adventist Christian.

Pat faced his sudden, unexpected cancer diagnosis with courage, tenacity and patience. In many ways, his cancer journey represented the final, most challenging marathon of his life. He was deeply grateful for the medical care he received, as well as for the love, visits and support of friends and family.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Sara, daughter, Amanda (Gary) Beckett. Brother Denny McGuire of Darlington, WI. Sister, Teresa Shertz (Tim) of New Holland, PA, as well as grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pat is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Ruth McGuire, brother Tim McGuire, and sisters-in-law, Karen (Hess) McGuire and Cheryl (Donar) McGuire.

A visitation will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington. A private family burial will be held at Holy Rosary Cemetery following the memorial service. A private family luncheon to follow the burial. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

Patrick McGuire

March 26, 1952 - May 31, 2025

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