Patrick J. Girdaukas
March 20, 1991 -
August 13, 2023
It is with heavy hearts, forever broken, that we share the passing of Patrick (Pat) Girdaukas on August 13, 2023. Patrick was born on March 21,1991 to Gerard and Kristin (Hendee) Girdaukas in Lake Forest, IL
Patrick enjoyed antiquing, and truly loved cars from classic to modern, as well as visiting swap meets and auto shows with his family. He loved the feel of the road while cruising on his Harley motorcycle, the name he gave to his beloved dog. He was also a jack of all trades, tinkering in the garage fixing broken yard equipment. Patrick was blessed with a great talent for music.
He learned to play tenor saxophone at Oak Grove Elementary School under the guidance and mentoring of Bill Overton and continued to play in the Libertyville High
School marching, concert, jazz band and jazz ensemble. He furthered his music education by earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music -Saxophone Performance with an Emphasis in Jazz as well as his Master’s Degree in Music Education from Carthage College. Patrick was one of the proud founding members of the Cigar Society of Carthage College. He also participated in the Pep band and drum line playing at football games, as well as traveling to Japan with the Wind Ensemble. He further shared his love for music teaching elementary general music at Racine Unified School District in Racine Wisconsin. His music passion intensified when he became a family member of the band “Sneezy” in 2012.
He noticed the love of his life, Frances Skurski, while playing a Sneezy concert. Patrick was onstage playing his heart out and Frances was in the audience dancing her heart out. The music stayed in their hearts, they fell in love and married on July 24th, 2021. The past two years they enjoyed living in their beautiful home just off of Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lindenhurst IL.
Patrick is survived by his loving wife, Frances (Skurski) Girdaukas; his brother, Josh; his mother, Kristin; his grandmother, Dorothy Hendee; his aunt and uncle, Kim and Mark Hendee (Dina Lambrecht) along with Philip Goodwin, a beloved family friend. Those left to cherish the blessing of amazing memories include many more wonderful in-laws, cousins, devoted friends, and bandmates, especially his family in Michigan, Georgia, Missouri and ‘up north in Wisconsin’ aka the ‘cuzzins’.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Gerard Girdaukas and his older brother, David Girdaukas.
Service Info
Funeral services honoring Patrick’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 9091 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI.
The visitation and service may be viewed via livestream on the following link facebook.com/PiaseckiFuneralHome/live/. You do not need Facebook to watch.
Interment will follow in Ascension Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Rd., Libertyville, IL. A visitation for Patrick will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, Patrick’s family would appreciate memorial remembrances to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://988lifeline.org or St. Anne’s Catholic Church https://st-anne.org.
I was a student at Goodland Montessori school where this amazing man taught. He was full of life, joy, and passion. I will never forget this man, and he will be greatly missed. I wish I or someone else had caught on that he was struggling, and maybe he could’ve been saved. I just want to say suicide is never the answer. I have known Mr. G since I was 5, I am now 12. We love you Mr. G. Rest high up in heaven ????
Posted by:
Alicia JarrettHe was an amazing teacher who brought the joy of music to Goodland Montessori students. You will be greatly missed Mr. G.
Posted by:
Crystal PoytingerMr G was the first face we saw everyday pulling up to the drop off line. He would put his hand out and I would see if I could get the door handle right in front of his hand withput him havong to move it to open the door. It was like a little game we would play each morning. Then we would joke about how the drop off line would be so much easier if everyone just did what they were supposed to do. We all are going miss Mr G. He will definitely be leaving a void in this world. Our condolences go out to his wife and all his family and friends.
Posted by:
Carolynn FrieschMr. G was a wonderful teacher who cared for all of the children at Goodland. In addition to his teaching duties, he was outside every morning helping kiddos and parents in the drop-off line. His caring presence will be missed.
Posted by:
Evon RiosMr.G was an awesome music teacher! Athena will miss him. She had so much fun in his class.
Posted by:
Megan CumminsPat was the kind of person that anyone could get along with, he was a listener, a problem solver, and all around an amazing person. Even though I haven’t seen him since college, I still remember meeting him & feeling like I was part of the family, listening to his amazing music, and always laughing! I know you impacted so many people & students, myself included! I hope you’re up there hugging your dad & David. Rest in peace Poogie! You will be greatly missed!
Posted by:
Tyler BachmanOn behalf of myself, my wife Rachel, and our family, our hearts go out to the Girdaukas family at this difficult time. As a friend of Josh's, I was lucky enough to spend many occasions with Pat over the years. He was an absolutely amazing person and incredible musician. So thankful to have played a bit of music together when he would visit ISU and for the many times we all spent out to eat, playing video games, and hanging out. You will be so very missed.
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Katrina and AkleemahHey this is Akleemah Mr.G was my favorite teacher I remember one day after a violin concert he said congratulations and after that he said let’s take a picture. My condolences to his family and his dog jack and his wife . Love you and miss you Mr.G , Akleemah
Posted by:
AmandaPatrick was an amazing soul. His energy was beautiful and light. We played in band at Carthage and partnered alot since we both played Sax. I am honored to have known such an amazing individual! He will be missed so much!
Posted by:
Mauldin FamilyGrace and Noah LOVED Mr. G. He was always there with a smile, always ready to cheer someone up. They're heartbroken to hear of his passing. We appreciate the impact he made on them at Goodland Montessori and will remember him fondly. We're grateful for the time we had with him. We send prayers for peace, healing and understanding to his family, friends and colleagues. He is with the Ultimate Healer and in His heavenly arms now.
Posted by:
SarahI’m still in shock at the loss of Patrick. He was a good man and great friend; very supportive - always good for a great talk or even a chuckle. My only regret is that I didn’t see him often enough or hug him hard enough. I will not let his untimely death overshadow what a blessing it was to have him in my life. I thank God for our time together and pray we will meet again some day. May he rest in peace and reunite with those who passed on before him.
