Patrick Lynn Thill

Born October 14, 1954, in Manistique, Michigan, a son of Francis and Ethelyn (Tallman) Thill, Pat was raised on Hewitt Avenue in Marquette. He attended St. Michael Elementary School and later Bishop Baraga High School until its closure when went on to graduate from Marquette Senior High School. Starting in his high school years, Pat was employed by Pete and Peg Braamse at their Marquette Bus Service. He later worked in the family business, Thill Fisheries, which became Thill’s Fish House. On August 25, 1979, Pat married the former Sue Summerlee. Together the couple made their home in Marquette where they raised two daughters. For many years, Pat was a self-employed auto mechanic. When the marriage ended, Pat relocated to Mio where he worked as a mechanic for Crawford County. He eventually returned to the Upper Peninsula and settled in the Marquette area. Pat was a talented tinkerer who saw value in just about anything that was broken, and more importantly in the conversations he could have about fixing them. Nothing gave him more pleasure than bringing something back to life that he had gotten for free. He was known for being a talkative guy, making conversation and friends with those around him. So much so that his daughters gave him the nickname Chatty Patty from the countless hours they spent waiting for him at the auto parts store. In his last years, he enjoyed the companionship of his aides who cared a great deal for him as well. Pat also possessed a love of dogs and had many canine companions throughout the years.

Pat is survived by his daughters, Keri (Tyler Ross) Thill of Marquette and Kristi Fraga of Iron Mountain; goddaughter, Colleen Thill of Gwinn; his grandson, Mikko Lantto; brothers, Wayne (Deanna) Thill of Stephenson, Dennis (Linda) Thill of California, Ron (Ann) Thill of Marquette Township, and Ted (Kathie) Thill of Marquette; his former wife, Sue Magel of Marquette; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Pat was preceded in death by a daughter, Melinda Thill in October 2022; brothers, Jerry and Tony Thill and an infant sister, Theresa Thill.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Thursday, September 14, beginning at 1:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:30 pm with Rev. Daniel Moll, pastor, as celebrant. A light reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.