Samuel J. Pate

PORTAGE  --  Samuel J. Pate, age 76, of Portage, died on Friday, November 21, 2008.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Jim Murphy presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, with military graveside services provided by Portage area veterans.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2008 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, where a Rosary Service will be held at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will also be held on Tuesday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Sam was born on March 23, 1932 in Lewiston Township, Wisconsin, the son of Samuel J. and Anna (Mootz) Pate.  He graduated from Portage High School in 1949 and served his country with the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956.  On October 12, 1957, he was married to Evelyn Maier.  During his life, Sam Pate was an aircraft mechanic, Minneapolis Moline block man, farmer, and owner/operator of Pate Tractor and Equipment, Inc.  He loved being outdoors on his farm, mechanical things and how they worked, “yellow” tractors, spending time with family, reading, traveling and chocolate.  He adored his wife, Evelyn, of 51 years, and his family.  He was a loving father, husband, and grandfather, devoted Catholic and a good friend.  Sam had a great sense of humor.  He passed away doing what he loved.