Patrick Joseph Tangney, 92, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, was born on October 13, 1933, in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, to Bernard Patrick and Margaret Hannah (Baggott) Tangney. Talk about a life well lived and loved! Pat grew up on farms in the south central Wisconsin area and lived in Milwaukee for a time where he attended St. Casimir Catholic School, setting the foundation for his lifelong faith. As a young altar boy, he learned the Mass in both Polish and English. Pat graduated from Deerfield High School in 1952, then “hauled milk” for three years saving up for college expenses. He entered the State College of La Crosse in 1955 where education and service became central to his life. In 1959 he earned his degree in Physical Education and later earned a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Winona State University. He devoted his early career to teaching. Coaching students was his true passion and gift.
Patrick met Phyllis Annette Nelson in a ballroom dance class in La Crosse, the beginning of a beautiful love story. They married in Elroy, WI, June 13, 1959. Pat and Phyllis grew deep roots in Hillsboro, WI, where they became strong community members as teachers and coaches, the place their family called home for many years. Coach Tangney touched and influenced many young student-athletes who continued to reach out over the years and express their gratitude for all he did for them. Pat went on to become principal of Hillsboro Elementary before switching careers to agricultural sales. He traveled to far corners of the world and became an award winning account manager. Pat ultimately set up his own company, T&T Sales, where he took great care of his customers. Throughout all Pat’s professional years he would say if he could have supported his family as a teacher and coach, he would have loved to have done that.
Patrick and Phyllis were the proud parents of five children: Teresa Rose Fanta (Gerry) of Black River Falls, Kristina Jo Roou (Dave) of Black River Falls, Andrea Lynn Burns (Dan) of Schofield, Kelli Tangney Williams (Jonathan) of Pasadena, MD, and Patrick John Tangney (Scott Patterson) of Washington, D.C. Pat had a few patented phrases he instituted as the family patriarch. As his young family grew, “Be good, work hard, and have fun...in that order,” was delivered every morning on the way out the door. He was also a beloved grandfather to 17 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren … and more on the way. Another patented phrase “Grandpa Tangney” would have all the grandkids say on his prompt of “1-2-3” was “Hi Pretty Grandma!” Such a heartfelt way to honor his wife throughout the years.
Patrick was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis, of Black River Falls, and siblings: Alice Tangney Leszczynski (Dan) of Milwaukee, and Jerome Tangney (Nancy) of Menasha. He is survived by his second wife, Rose Ann Burns, of Black River Falls, and his siblings Cathie Tangney Duerst Schroeder (Eddie and Joe) of Verona, Bernard Tangney (Linda) of Whitewater, Francis Tangney (Alice) of St. Louis Park, MN, and Bill Tangney of Shawano, along with his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.
It must be said that the Tangney Family is something special. The extended family would gather together every summer and every Thanksgiving, and all those weddings sure were a good time! Pat would lead everyone around the floor doing the “Wall Dance,” which he instituted early on. He had a gift for bringing people together and was often described as the life of the party. His humor, warmth, strong personality, and fierce love for his family made him unforgettable to the people who knew him.
After Phyllis, his wife of 63 years, passed away in 2023, Pat was able to find joy in life again with Rosie Burns, whom he married on September 6, 2025, at St. Joseph Church in Black River Falls, a special day blending two large and loving families together.
Patrick enjoyed all things sports, from playing basketball in high school to playing many rounds of golf in his later years. His children fondly remember Pat’s dedication to their high school athletic activities. He even used his handyman skills to fashion a balance beam for them to practice on at home. Sundays were for family time, attending church at St. Aloysius in Hillsboro and watching the Green Bay Packers together, and he especially enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers these past final months.
Above all, Patrick loved his family. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and cherished the time spent together. His faith, his family, his friendships, and his zest for life were the threads that ran through all of his years. Patrick will be remembered with love and gratitude by the many people whose lives he touched. His stories, laughter, devotion to family, and unmistakable spirit will continue to live on through the generations. His last patented phrase, which he used as his sign off to every text message, was “Love you ~ bye bye.”
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to “‘Hillsboro Excellence in Education’ - in memory of Patrick Tangney.” Checks can be sent to PO Box 81, Platteville, WI, 53818. Thank you.
A public visitation will be held Friday, October 16, from 3-7pm, at Guardian Angels Parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Black River Falls, WI. A rosary will be prayed in Pat’s memory in the church beginning at 2pm.
A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, October 17, 10am. Additional viewing will begin at 9am before Mass.
A Funeral Luncheon will be held at Castle Hill Supper Club, starting at noon. N9581 US Hwy 12, Merrillan, WI, 54754. This is approximately nine miles north of Black River Falls, just off Hwy 12.
