Patrick J. Campbell, Kaukauna's self-appointed "Pigeon Racing Champion," hung up his cribbage board for the last time on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on August 4, 1943, Patrick spent his early years in Kaukauna mastering the fine art of getting away with things—skills that later served him well as Chief of Police for the Kaukauna Police Department. It's said he retired only because his pigeons needed a full-time trainer, and someone had to teach those birds to fly straight.

Patrick was a man of many talents: he could outplay you in cribbage with his eyes closed and still have enough energy left to explain the rules to you afterward, not that you'd understand.  Pat's other favorite pastimes were driving his prized Ford Model A around town and watching and cheering on his grandkids at their sporting, music, and dance events.

Pat had a hand in starting the school resource officer program, proving that even teenagers were no match for his wisdom. His years as the first liaison officer at Kaukauna High School are remembered fondly by students—mostly because they managed to graduate.

Patrick is survived by his children: Mike (Carrie), Tracy (Scott) Krause, and Brian (Laura). His grandchildren, Will, Elizabeth, Matthew, Devon, Benji, Gabby, Sophie, and Ellie, will undoubtedly carry on his legacy of bad jokes and good sportsmanship. Also surviving are his siblings: Bill (Elaine) Campbell, Joanne (John) Kobussen, and Eileen (Tom) Nytes, who always wondered how he managed to be the family favorite. He leaves behind his special friend and companion, Maureen Baeten, who claims she only played cribbage with him because he let her win—sometimes.

Patrick was reunited in the great beyond with his beloved wife, Patricia, and his parents, Howard and Gertrude, who are likely wondering how he got there without getting lost and refusing to ask for directions. The family invites you to celebrate Patrick's life on September 14, 2024, at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH – ST. MARY CHURCH in Kaukauna. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m., and his final cribbage match (also known as his Funeral Mass) will start at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Mark Rydell. Please leave extra time for mass, Pat was a great story teller who loved to tell them over and over, in honor of that Rev. Rydell will be giving the homily twice, but don't worry, just like Pat, the second time it will have a different ending.  Committal will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, where Patrick will finally get some rest—though knowing him, he's probably already plotting his next pigeon race.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to St Vincent de Paul in Kaukauna, where Pat volunteered his time.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Connelly, the team at Froedtert Hospital, and the amazing care staff at the St. Paul Home.