Patrick Leo Kneedler, “Pat”, has gone to be in the arms of his savior, Jesus Christ! He was called home on December 1st, 2021. Patrick was born to Dave and Rosanne Kneedler on October 16, 1963 and was the third of four siblings. He graduated from Helena High School in 1981. Pat was blessed with four wonderful children: Laura, Ashley, Nick, and Britni.
Pat married the love of his life and his soulmate, Suzy Harper, on July 18, 2015. They shared an adventurous and unique journey overflowing with abundant joy, zest, laughter, and eccentricity. The love they shared was truly extraordinary.
Pat was so full of life that his eyes smiled. He was known for his quirky sense of humor and he used many comical phrases and sayings that were unique to just him. Patrick also will be remembered for his hysterical expressions, contagiously bright smile, and the laughter and excitement in his vibrant conversations. He put passion into fostering relationships and he adored spending time with family and friends. He especially relished in playing with and lovingly tormenting his grandkids in true grandpa fashion. He was welcoming to everyone and considered no one a stranger. He often quoted, “Relationship is everything, God made us for relationships.”
In his free time, Patrick was up for any adventure. He was always ready to stir up a little fun and a touch of trouble too. Much of that shenanigans involved his siblings and their joy for doing things together. He loved the mountains and anything to do with them. He led a very active life filled with hiking, kayaking and rafting, downhill and cross country skiing, riding ATV’s and snowmobiles, bow and rifle hunting, and snowshoeing. Some of Pat’s most cherished places to be were spending time at his grandfather’s cabin and at home around his bonfire with his family and friends.
Patrick was a man of many passions. One of his amazing talents was in his skilled craftsmanship and woodworking. Pat poured himself into the countless hours he spent in his workshop working his magic and perfecting his masterpieces. He loved antiques and creatively displayed his treasured finds and works of art. His yard and home are decorated with many of his wiry and rustic creations. Another of his well-known Passions was cooking up a storm in his kitchen where he put his heart and soul into his “razoo” creations. Pat put heart, sentiment, and humor in all he did.
Patrick could never realize what we all so evidently know, that God created him not to fit in but to stand out. He touched so many of our lives, was such a wonderful inspiration to others, and a blessing to everyone he met. Pat’s later days were a far cry from his former younger days. He chose to become a tremendous man of faith; admirable in his dedication of sharing God’s love with everyone he knew. He was a true warrior for God! He often asked among friends and family, “What is your motivation?” He would go on to say, “Your motivation reveals your true heart and God does not see our outer man, he looks at our heart.” His motivation was to know God deeper and to speak truth. He wanted everyone he knew and loved to experience the true love of God as he did. Patrick made a genuine difference in the lives of others and will forever leave his impression in our hearts.
Patrick is survived by his loving wife Suzy; daughter Laura Kneedler (Brandon) and grandchildren Hudson and Tolman; daughter Ashley Korish (Josh) and grandchildren Kaydance, Jonathan, Leila, Joseph, Rosaleigh, Jacqueline, and Oliver; his daughter Britni Chambers (Zach) and grandchildren Payton, Liam, and Emmie; son Nick Kneedler (Melanie), stepson Eric Whitman (Audrey) and grandchildren Bryson and Carter; stepson Joseph Whitman and grandchildren Jillian and Lucy; stepdaughter Becky Clemons (Bryan) and grandchildren Trent and Laine; sister Loretta Burnham (Gary); brother David Kneedler (Lynn); brother Marc Kneedler (Janice); niece Shannon Currier (Rob) and children Rosie and Shawn; niece Shawna Alexander (John) and children Isabella, David, Daniel and Eliana; and many other family members and great friends far too numerous to list here.
Pat is preceded in death by his parents Dave and Rosanne Kneedler.
A celebration of his life will be Saturday, December 11th @ 11:00 a.m. at Mountain Family Fellowship, 6145 N. Montana Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Suzy to help with expenses. You can mail your donations addressed In Care of Mountain Family Fellowship, Attention Sue Harper Kneedler 6145 N. Montana Avenue Helena, MT 59602.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Pat.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 11, 2021
Mountain Family Fellowship
6145 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday December 11, 2021
Mountain Family Fellowship
6145 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bob Crum says
I will miss you more than you will ever know my dear friend. We have done so much together in our lives and its been a fun ride buddy.
Sam Crawford says
One of my oldest and dearest friends. I have so many fond memories of Pat.
I’m glad we got to spend tome together at our class reunion and am sad that we did not get to go for one more run on at the Great Divide this winter. Peace and love always brother.
Stacy Morrison says
So sad to learn about the passing of Pat. Such a nice, easy going guy. My condolences to his family and friends. Peaceful travels Pat.
Sue Morgan says
I had really nice visit with Pat at our HHS class reunion this past summer where we shared a few memories from growing up in the same neighborhood. Condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
Shawna says
You made such an impact on my life in school. You just accepted me as I was and made sure to talk with me every day. You’ll never know how mystery that meant to me. I’ve always appreciated you. I remember calling you the last time I was home. We talked on the phone for hours.
Rest high my friend and know that you will be missed but cherished by so many.
Joni Runyan says
Pat, you made an such an impression on us all! Thoughts of you will always make me Smile! My heart hurts cause you left so many behind who love you. But thank you for all you were and all you shared while you were here. Love ya like a Brother!
MarlaAnne(Jacoby) Mousseau says
I had spent all of my pre-college education (elementary, middle school and high school) sharing classes with Pat. He was kind, creative and though he had some really tough family challenges along his journey he carried himself with integrity, compassion and consideration of others. He had a silent strength that was obviously seen by those people whom he had “Relationships” until the last day he lived here on earth. Now he will be the guardian angel for his LARGE family. Pat, May you Rest In Peace.
Jennifer (Gruel) Thompson says
I am sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. It was so nice to see him at our class reunion this past summer and reminisce about our old neighborhood. Prayers of comfort for his family.