Lieutenant Colonel Patrick J. Maher, USAF (Retired), took his last flight on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Age 91 years. Beloved husband and best friend for 68 years of (the late) Kathleen A. Maher. Loving father of Tim (Trish) Maher, Mary Jo (Dreux) Hempe, Sharon Wilmouth, Mike (Irene) Maher, Jim (Andrea) Maher and John (Cynthia) Maher. Cherished grandfather of Maren (Mike) Wendt; Tommy and Nick Maher; Emily, Owen, Grace and Sophie Maher. Treasured brother of Thomas (the late Beverly) (the late Nancy) Maher and brother-in-law to Robert (the late Dee Dee) Horne.

Patrick is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Florence Maher, and sisters Joan (the late John) Juriewicz and Mary (the late Jack) Flannick, father and mother-in-law, Henrik "Pete" and Mathilda Horne, and brother-in-law to Lawrence (the late Mary) Horne, Vincent (the late Donna) Horne, Dolores (the late Robert) Kaminski, Geraldine (the late Joseph) Shiltz and Rosalie (the late Frank) Zovi. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

Patrick grew up in Milwaukee and attended St. John's Cathedral High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was selected for the Aviation Cadets, and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at McAllen Air Force Base, TX, in 1954.

Following his training, he returned home to Milwaukee to marry the love of his life, Kathleen Ann Horne, and they celebrated a life together of 68 years.

He received his Navigator wings in 1955 at Mather AFB, CA, with a follow-on assignment as a B-36 navigator/bombardier at Travis AFB CA. In 1957, he transferred to Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, flying nuclear alert missions through the Mediterranean Sea and other designated locations. In 1959, he was assigned to the B-52G Superfortress at Eglin AFB, FL. During this time, he was deployed for the Cuban Missile Crisis, fulfilling DEFCON III nuclear readiness missions. In 1963, he transferred to Dow AFB, ME, where he flew numerous "Chrome Dome" nuclear orbit missions over Greenland and the Atlantic Ocean. In 1965, he was transferred to Westover AFB, MA as part of the Strategic Air Command. In 1969, he Transferred to Anderson AFB, Guam as a staff officer for 8th Air Force Command, and flying KC-97 tankers. In 1972, he transferred to Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Saigon, Republic of Vietnam, HQ 7th Air Force, where he worked in Targeting Intelligence. His final assignment was at Chanute AFB IL, where he was assigned to the Wing Staff. He retired after 20 years of dedicated service to the United States of America. Aircraft flown included North American B-25 Mitchell, Beechcraft T-11 Kansan, Convair B-36 Peacemaker, Boeing B-52G Stratofortress, and Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter (tanker). Awards include the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Patrick and Katie raised a beautiful family of six children. After Patrick retired from the USAF in 1972, they settled in Greenfield, WI. He went on to work as Veteran's Assistance Staff Member at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center and went on to finish his working career as an Insurance Claim's Adjuster.

Patrick was a man of faith. He was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Church where he served as an usher and volunteered for St. Ben's Meal Program as well as other groups within the church. Outside of church Patrick taught English as a second language and reading to children.

Patrick prioritized a parochial school education for his children often working two jobs to make ends meet. Throughout his life he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren, keeping up with their interests, taking time for conversation along with cookies and milk and frequent games of cribbage. He delighted in gardening. The plants, flowers and trees in his yard seemed to grow on his command. He was often seen mowing the lawn with a beer and cigarette in hand. He taught by his actions: How to love, what it means to have faith, to be faithful, faith-filled, respect, responsibility, how to give, to include, to share, how to be proud of our country.

Visitation Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 9-11 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3100 W. Parnell Ave. Milwaukee. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. with interment with full military honors to follow, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

His family would like to thank the dedicated team at Elaine's Hope for their tender care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Elaine's Hope, 7500 W. North Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53213 would be appreciated.

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to view a video of Patrick and his sons Jim, Tim and Mike discussing the wonderful care at Elaine's Hope.

PRASSER-KLECZKA

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