Friends,

 

This message is being sent to inform you about the unexpected death of Patrick Spielman. This is a sad day for everyone in the scroll saw community. Pat is responsible for the resurgence in interest in scroll sawing that began in the early 80’s, and has long been a mentor and good friend to a great many of us in the industry. His books have taught many people how to use the scroll saw, and have provided us with countless scroll saw patterns and projects to test our skills. He will be sadly missed.

 

His obituary, copied from The Green Bay Press Gazette, reads as follows:

 

Patrick E. “Mr. Pat” Spielman died suddenly Wednesday, Oct. 27, at his home in Fish Creek as the result of an apparent heart attack. He was born March 17, 1936, in Spring Lake Township, Minn. to Andrew M. and Della Jean (Ince) Spielman. Patrick graduated from University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1958 with a Bachelors degree in Industrial Arts. He was married to Patricia “Mrs. Pat’’ Rogers June 7, 1958. He spent 27 years as a high school woodworking instructor, 23 of them at Gibraltar High School. Through use of hands-on techniques he inspired his students to create innovation and practical projects. Motivating his students to apply themselves and develop their talents was his passion, and he leaves behind hundreds of dedicated students as part of his legacy. Patrick was a world-renowned author of over 65 woodworking books with special editions published in several languages. He began working on his first book at the age of 24, and continued authoring books, including two current projects, over the span of his 46 year career. In addition to his success as an entrepreneur, he was a sought after process and design consultant to industry leading (woodworking equipment) manufacturers, and a respected spokesperson for innovative and quality industry products. His entrepreneurial ventures were a result of his innovative spirit and creative mind. Patrick, along with wife Patricia, began a business out of his workshop in 1974 with his own hand-crafted products, turnings, signs and cedar lawn furniture. The business grew to include consignment and manufactured products and moved to its current location in downtown Fish Creek in 1982. In March of 2003, Patrick was honored with the James Huff Stout Award. The honor is given to a distinguished alumnus for their work in enhancing the prestige of UW-Stout and enriching the lives of those touched by their work.

 

Pat is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; son, Robert (Bonnie), Baileys Harbor; daughter, Sherri (Luke) Valitchka, De Pere; daughter, Sandra (Bernie) Friedenfels, Jacksonport; two grandchildren, Zoe Samantha-Ann Valitchka; Sophia Marie Friedenfels, and a third grandchild expected in November; and sister, Winnifred (Andrew) Schoenbauer.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Donald and Robert; and step-father Nick Wolf.