Patrick N. Knitter, 65, of Elderon, passed away peacefully Oct 7, 2026, at Marshfield Hospital.
Pat was born May 24, 1961, a son of Nick and Ann (Bushman) Knitter and proudly raised in Galloway on his father’s 800-acre family potato farm. He spent his foundational years working the land alongside his family.
Pat was especially drawn to the mechanical side of farming. He and his dad worked closely together to keep the heavy farm equipment running. Learning directly from his father Pat developed a lifelong mechanical genius and a unique knack for working with his hands that would define his entire life.
His incredible passion for mechanics and vehicles guided his professional career. Many in the region will remember Pat from his time managing and maintaining the vehicles for Pan-A-Live Pizza out of Rosholt, ensuring their operations ran smoothly day in and day out. Later he brought his extensive expertise, dedication and sharp eye for detail to Barry’s Body Shop where he worked for many years.
Most recently, Pat dedicated the last 20 years of his career serving as a master mechanic for Bushman Trucking. Working for the business allowed Pat to combine his exceptional technical talents with his deep family roots as the company is owned and operated by his cousins. He took immense pride in his work, always willing to track down a difficult mechanical problem and fix it right for the family business.
Pat will forever be known for his love of cars and his skills as a mechanic. He was always ready to get his hands dirty and lend a helping hand in the garage He was a true grease monkey at heart. Pat will be remembered for his love of all things automotive and the memories he created with family and friends. He was a man who liked fixing what was broken and leaving things a little better than he found them.
When Pat wasn’t wrenching on something in the garage back in the day, he could also be found at a pool table, on a snowmobile or on a dirt bike.
Pat is survived by his siblings, Ron Knitter, Karen Collins, Barbara Knitter, Debra Puckett, Pamela Flees and Bruce Knitter; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, co-workers and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Nick and Ann (Bushman) Knitter; his grandparents, Joseph and Mary Bushman, Frank and Francis Knitter; his beloved godparents, Ernest “Ernie” and Mavis Bushman; his sister-in-law, Jan Knitter; his brothers-in-law, Don Collins, Frank “Chip” Holmes, Dennis Puckett;, and several aunts and uncles.
There will be a celebration of Pat’s life at a later time and place to be determined.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS.
