Pat Telford

Pat Telford, 63, of Oconto, Wisconsin, died Friday, October 31, 2025, following a tough battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held starting at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Romy's Holiday Inn at Kelly Lake, Wisconsin. Come hang out, share some stories, memories, and laughs as Pat's life is celebrated and remembered the way he’d want—lighthearted, full of humor, and probably repeating a few of his one-liners.

Patrick Herbert Telford was born October 23, 1962, in Oconto to Robert "Bob" and Yvonne (Thomson) Telford. He was a 1981 graduate of Oconto High School. On October 4, 1986, Pat married Dawn Ruechel, and together they had three children and four grandchildren. Over the years, Pat by Amore’s Towing, Cruiser Yachts, Augustine Motors, and several other places before opening Telford Motors in the late 90s.

Pat was a member of the Masonic Lodge and valued good company, good conversation, and a good supper club. He especially enjoyed deer camp and time at the cabin in Long Lake, where he shared endless laughs and stories with family and friends. He loved bird hunting and was often spotted driving around with Maggie or Judge (and sometimes Max). He grew up on the Bay and spent much of his life near the water—from summers at Kelly Lake to years along the Oconto River, a stretch in Eagle River, and later at White Potato Lake. Heloved pontoon rides, cruising on his motorcycle or snowmobile, and going to car shows. Pat’s sharp wit and larger-than-life personality could light up any room, and his quick humor and unforgettable stories will continue to bring smiles to all who knew him. True to his salesman spirit, Pat often said, “Everything’s for sale except my kids and my last name.” Above all, he treasured time with his family, especially his kids and grandkids.

His family includes his children, Rebecca (Shannon Kittredge) Telford, Kimberly (Bryan) Pater, and Casey (Mallory) Telford; their mother, Dawn Telford; his grandchildren, Seth Telford, Charlotte Pater, Emma Pater, and Quinn Telford; and his sisters, Lori (Ron) Delzer and Ann (Roger) Ristow. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and his loyal bird dog, Judge.

Preceding Pat in death were his parents; his brother, William Telford; his grandparents; and his dogs, Maggie and Max.