PATRICK KORANDA

PATRICK KORANDA

     Patrick Koranda, 74, of Merrillan, WI, passed away July 2, 2025.

     Pat was born March 17, 1951, in Black River Falls, WI, where he was raised. After deciding that college wasn’t the right path for him, he followed his heart north to Hayward, a place filled with fond memories from family vacations.

     It was in Hayward that he met Georgie while working at Reel Living Resort and Telemark. The two quickly became inseparable, eventually marrying and starting a family together.

     Pat was a true self-starter, driven by a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, he founded and ran a variety of small businesses, including an auto body shop, a white goods pickup service, snowplowing and caretaking of summer homes. Pat was also a member of the Antique Outboard Motor Club. He and his son, Jon, spent their time fixing and selling outboard motors together. He took pride in working with his hands, being his own boss, and building a life on his own terms. 

     He was also a passionate supporter of local fire departments. Pat served as a volunteer firefighter in Spider Lake Township and went on to become fire chief in both Spider Lake and Round Lake townships—roles he held with deep pride and commitment. Later in life, when he and Georgie built a cabin in Hatfield, he lent that same support and enthusiasm to the Hatfield Fire Department.

     A celebration of life will be held July 18, 2025, at Revolution Coffee (38 Main Street) in Black River Falls from 4 to 6:00 p.m., where friends and family are invited to gather and share memories. In his true spirit, please come dressed in whatever attire you are most comfortable in.