Patrick "Pat" Hanscom

Patrick Michael Hanscom (59) passed away December 9, 2023 at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester MN, surrounded by his loving family. Fighting with valiant bravery up to the very end, his battle with cancer and related health challenges finally overcame him. A good man of quiet strength, he won many struggles in this fight, courageously taking on his illness with inconspicuous modesty and without complaint.

Patrick was the youngest of six children, born August 4, 1964 in Bangkok, Thailand to parents William and LaDonna Hanscom. He is survived by his children Joseph Hanscom of Little Canada, MN and Sarah Hanscom (Alex Lee) of Rochester, MN; by his sisters Colleen Normandin (Art) of Medford, NJ, Maureen Maurer (Joel) of Melbourne Beach, FL, Kathleen Hanscom (Dan Swenson), of Northfield, MN, Eileen Mueller (Randy) of Baldwin, WI; brother Timothy Hanscom, of Indialantic, FL; by the mother of his children, Jennifer Lenaghan of AZ and by many nieces and nephews.

While living in Thailand, Patrick developed many childhood friendships and learned to speak Thai while enjoying the local customs and culture. When the Hanscom family returned to the United States they settled in Faribault, MN where he attended Bethlehem Academy High School and later the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. 

Patrick was extremely kind hearted and had many long lasting relationships throughout his life. He spent his career in the hospitality industry, starting out alongside his mother and father at the Monterey Cabaret in Owatonna; at his own restaurant in Faribault; and eventually at a number of establishments in Rochester, including the Radisson, Aspen Suites, and VFW. His experience in hospitality, combined with his warm love for people also steered his career to work with seniors at the Shorewood Senior Center in Rochester, and those with special needs at Epic Enterprise in Northfield. Generosity and compassion came easily to Patrick and was not limited – you always felt welcome at Pat’s place.

Ready for fun, with a great sense of humor, he was our guy for jokes, laughter, memories, and good times. Full of quips, quotes, and one-liners, he could banter with anyone, and could do it in Thai or sign language if necessary (the latter of which became ironically useful during his struggle with cancer of the larynx and loss of his voice in early 2023). Pat spent as much time as possible playing golf (and was better at it than all his known relatives), watching movies (and quoting them), and rooting for the Vikings (but like most of us, may never see that Super Bowl win). He was always there for family and friends, and loved to spend time together, especially during summer reunions in northern Minnesota where he could navigate a pontoon through the channel at Thunder Lake with his eyes closed. The stories we tell are endless, and if you knew him, you already know the legend.

His children were everything to him and he loved them deeply, and got a sparkle in his eye at the very mention of their names. He loved us all unconditionally and will be forever missed. Rest in peace, dear father, brother, uncle, and friend.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kenyon, MN.  Interment will be held at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Kenyon.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault on Monday, December 18, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to services.

Memorial contributions can be given at Pat’s Go Fund Me page: https://gofund.me/cfa25752