Patrick J. Lonergan

Patrick was a larger-than-life character, with a wicked sense of humor, and an abundance of curiosity about the world and people. He was an outstanding conversationalist, with the best stories and most wide-ranging information. He had a talent for making interesting friends throughout his life. They knew him to be kind, generous, wise in his advice, and responsive to how people were functioning around him – a “cool human.”

To his family he was a Beloved Curmudgeon, always challenging, always generous, always encouraging us to be adventurous, to expand our knowledge and bring back good stories. Laughter was always on the table – but no elbows!

Patrick was a hard worker, before and after retirement. His first job was at the soda fountain in his father’s pharmacy in Cherokee, Iowa. He did a brief stint repossessing cars as a very young newlywed while attending the University of San Francisco as a Psych major. He worked for several years at E.D. Bullard, selling safety equipment, which included trips to oil fields in the Middle East (before it got so very dangerous). He then worked 30 years, until retirement, for L.N. Curtis & sons, where he sold fire safety equipment and introduced and trained fire companies to use the Jaws of Life. He really enjoyed the relationships he built with fire chiefs and the fascinating stories he learned and passed on. At Curtis he was Sales Manager with a team that covered western states including California, Alaska and Hawaii, and where he was appreciated as a wonderful mentor and friend.

He was an altar boy back in Iowa and was educated in Jesuit schools, both in high school and college, which broadened his ability to think logically and consider the wider world. More recently, he and Elizabeth became members of the congregation at St Mark’s Lutheran Church, and he truly valued his friendships and connections there.

Patrick was a lifelong learner, earning his Master Gardener certification only last year. His eclectic interests over the years included competitive swimming in high school, skiing, history, NASCAR, his beloved Alfa Romeo Giulietta, sailing, especially with his grandson, international travel, fly fishing in Alaska and a trip to the Amazon. He was a foodie, who enjoyed ethnic restaurants with “real” food that he loved to share. He appreciated Elizabeth’s talent for cooking, and a great donut when he found one. Just don’t offer him a casserole! He was a reader his whole life and shared that love with his family, sharing what he read and learned, and sharing books with those he knew would especially appreciate them. Music was another life-long passion, from the rock of the 60’s and 70’s, to the Monterey Jazz Festival, and included his Board membership with the Fargo Opera. He enjoyed these live performances and attended many musical events at the various colleges in and around Fargo. He delighted in his granddaughters’ Symphony Concerts in particular.

While with L.N. Curtis, Patrick initiated donations of outdated fire equipment to small towns, pueblos, through Baja Bridges. He was also a great supporter of Casa Hogar Canyon Buena Vista Children’s Shelter.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Pecknold Lonergan, his daughters Kimberly Lonergan and Katie Peterson Kelsh, his grandchildren Michael Lonergan, Isabel Kelsh and Farrah Kelsh, and his extended family, Karen Freeman and Jessica Zeiters.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: 3 PM Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo – with a visitation one hour prior

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. To sign the online guest book, and to view a livestream of the service, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com