• Visitation: Tuesday, September 17th from 2:00pm -4:00pm at Living Hope Lutheran Church (1337 S. 100th St, West Allis)

• Funeral Service: Tuesday, September 17th at 4:00pm at Living Hope Lutheran Church (1337 S. 100th St, West Allis)

Patrick Michael Zabrowski

Called home to Heaven on September 10, 2024, age 69, after having pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Molly (nee Mackin), his children Joseph (Jasmine) Zabrowski, Michael Zabrowski, Katherine (David) Marquardt, and Robert Zabrowski; his grandchildren Peter, Isabelle, and Carolyn Marquardt, and Evelyn and Asher Zabrowski; his siblings Timothy (Barbara) Zabrowski, Thomas Zabrowski, Jack (Maureen) Zabrowski, and Jennifer Zabrowski, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Christopher; a niece, and many aunts and uncles.

Patrick was born on May 20, 1955 to Ernest and Trudy Zabrowski. He was the second eldest of six children. His father died when he was 10 years old, and his mother went to work to support the family.  Patrick’s “Uncle Charlie” Buehler encouraged their mother to allow the children to spend time each summer with the Buehler family. All five brothers learned the art of shearing Christmas trees from Uncle Charlie, and they worked on his crew for several summers. After a few years, the brothers started Zabrowski Brothers Evergreens, which provided tree shearing services to Christmas tree growers across central Wisconsin. With the money they earned, they were able to purchase land, build a cabin, and grow their own Christmas trees. Pat and his brothers were teenagers when they bought land and built the cabin. As they negotiated each contract, their mother signed the legal documents because the brothers were not legally old enough to sign them. The Christmas tree business helped to provide for the family and pay for their education. Patrick and his brothers were active members of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association for many years. Over time, growing Christmas trees became more of a hobby than a business, since the brothers each found their own occupations. Throughout his life, the tree farm was one of Patrick’s favorite places on earth. He spent many hours in the tree fields, hunting, fishing, digging holes, reading, and relaxing. He cherished the time spent there with his family and friends.

Patrick graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School in 1973, and from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in 1977. After working as a realtor for a few years, he attended law school, graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1983, and joined the law firm Foley & Lardner where his work centered on commercial real estate. He was with the firm for 30 years, became a partner in 1991, and he retired in 2013. In 1997, Patrick was elected by his peers to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers based on his accomplishments and experience as a real estate lawyer, as well as his contributions to the legal profession. He was included in the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Wisconsin Super Lawyers lists, and was included in The Best Lawyers of America in the area of real estate law in 2015.

Patrick was a pillar in the AA community, particularly at the Lighthouse on Dewey in Wauwatosa, where he was able to support a variety of people to help them find hope, faith, and serenity in the midst of addictions. He was also active in jail ministry for several years and found that to be a meaningful experience to him and others. Patrick was more than 11 years sober at the time of his passing.

He was active in his church congregation, Living Hope Ev. Lutheran Church where he donated Christmas trees for over 50 years.  He also volunteered as an usher for decades, he was on many committees, attended Bible studies, and sang in the choirs in his later years.

Visitation will be held at Living Hope Lutheran Church (1337 S. 100th St, West Allis) on Tuesday, September 17th from 2pm -4pm, with funeral service to follow at 4pm.