Patrick D. Shelley

Rev. Dr. Patrick D. Shelley, 74, of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at County Terrace Assisted Living. Born on November 24, 1951, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Donald and Ruth (Cogell) Shelley, Patrick grew up with a deep love for music. An accomplished pianist and string bassist, he performed with the original “Kids from Wisconsin” and played in his college orchestra. Yet a strong call to ministry ultimately guided his path.

Patrick attended George N. Tremper High School in Kenosha, Hope College in Holland, Michigan, Union Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He served as senior minister at three Congregational churches in Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Through the National Association of Congregational Churches, he traveled extensively, promoting Congregationalism across the globe. His genuine desire to help those in need kept him dedicated to ministry throughout his life. He was deeply loved and appreciated by those he served, and many will miss him.

He is survived by his sisters, Kathleen (Kenny) Paramore of Tomahawk and Carrie (Christopher) Woller of Merrill, as well as his nieces and nephew, Lucy (Cody) Walker, Kelsey (Tyler) Jones, Sarah (Tony) Artymiuk, and Matthew Woller. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Jonathan Woller.