Patricia A. "Pat" Thomasgard

Patricia Ann Thomasgard, age 75, of Madison, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital with family by her side. A life-long Madisonian, Pat was born of September 3, 1950, to Jack and Elner Doyle. She attended Our Lady Queen of Peace, Van Hise Middle School and West High School. In 1968, she graduated from

UW-LaCrosse with a degree in Education. Pat taught for over 30 years in the Madison School District – mostly, fifth grade – and retired in 2006.

In 1975, she and Robert Thomasgard were married in Madison, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2025 with family. Pat and Bob had two children, Eric and Krista, and her first grandchild, Charlotte, was born shortly before her death.

Pat travelled in Europe and the United States with her family while growing up, including to the New York and Seattle World Fairs. After their marriage, Pat and Bob travelled to all 50 states, many of the Canadian provinces and 15 other countries. They took their children on most of those trips, and the family especially enjoyed going to national parks in the United States and Canada and several trips to Europe. Pat loved everything about planning and going on trips with the children and sharing their experiences and meeting new people with them.

Pat celebrated everything about her children and enjoyed helping with and watching their activities. Pat was always willing to help anyone, and her selfless compassion and kindness brought love and smiles to so many. As a teacher, “Ms. T” took a great interest in every one of her students and helped them learn and grow – things she passed on to her children. Pat will be remembered for her interest in others, engaging personality, smile, good humor and friendship.

Pat and Bob attended football and volleyball games when they were first married. They also enjoyed softball, volleyball, bowling and skiing. They and good friends went to UW hockey games for over 25 years, and together they went to five NCAA hockey tournaments. Pat also loved watching the Packers and the UW men’s basketball games

Pat is survived by Bob; Eric and his wife Taylor Matheson of Seattle, Washington; Krista and Stephen McCardell and their daughter Charlotte of Verona; her sister Deborah Stirdivant and husband Steve and their daughters Sarah and Shannon of North Carolina; her sister-in-law Diane Doyle of Middleton; and many other relatives and friends. Pat was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother Thomas Doyle.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the physicians, nurses and everyone else at St. Mary’s Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion for Pat. Memorials in Pat’s name may be made to the St. Mary’s Foundation, and memories of Pat can be shared at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Saturday, May 23 from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Madison Club on 5 East Wilson Street in Madison.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave.

Madison, WI 53705

(608) 238-8406

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