Patrick Moore, age 54, of East Bethel died October 9, 2023 at Mayo-Methodist Campus in Rochester.
Everyone who has been part of Patrick’s journey is equally devastated to know that the amazing storyteller and life of the party who was Pat Moore is now exclusively part of our collective memories. Pat’s family invites you to attend one of two celebrations of life to be held in his honor and share your stories of Pat. A light lunch will be provided after presentations and sharing, and we request casual dress.
- 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Weds, October 18, at the Braham Event Center, 655 8th St SW, Braham, MN, 55006 (Presentations begin at 11:00)
- 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, Sat, October 21, Mahaska County YMCA, 1521 Green St, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 (Presentations begin at 11:00)
In lieu of flowers, Pat’s family requests donations to The Patrick Moore Charitable Foundation, where 100% of proceeds will be given to help special-needs kids overcome many of the same challenges Pat had to overcome in order to live a normal life. (23453 University Ave Ext NE, Bethel MN, 55005-9792)
January 4, 1969 – October 9, 2023
Patrick Benjamin Moore was born on January 4,1969, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN, to Scottie Stamos Moore and Eugene Robert Moore II. Doctors explained that his spine was exposed and damaged during birth (spina bifida) and would be forever paralyzed from the waist down. Pat thrived at home and defied predictions of death at ages 1, 3, 6, and 12 with miraculous innovations in medicine as each milestone approached. At age 3 he moved to Oskaloosa, IA, and attended Good Time Play School, where Pat continued to thrive and make friends who learned to look beyond his physical differences and were captivated by his early charm. His love of social interaction was clear from early on, and he was chosen to be March of Dimes Poster Child to help fund research.
He began his academic career at Webster Elementary School in 1974 due to the configuration of the building being easily accessible. A wonderful community of educators set the stage for his early success. In junior high, in addition to his coursework he learned to play the synthesizer and excelled in band and jazz band. Pat had many friends who were girls who were delighted to dance with him at school dances, and lots of guy friends who saw the best in Pat. In high school, Patrick continued to excel at his studies and extracurricular activities: Mock trial, debate, speech, student government, and as the lead statistician for the high school football and baseball teams. As part of Coach Jerry Staton’s winning tradition of working hard, Pat became a state weightlifting champion, able to bench press 2 1/2 times his body weight. Patrick graduated from Oskaloosa Sr High School in 1987, and attended Central College of Pella, Iowa, where he studied Accounting, and continued his love of Mock Trial, debate, and model student government. Pat had several girlfriends, but as a senior in college, he was introduced to Ruth Martin of New Sharon, IA, with whom he would eventually wed. He completed his BA degree in Accounting and followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a CPA. Pat also took the LSAT and proceeded to the University of Iowa College of Law, where he graduated with his JD, and passed the Minnesota bar examination.
Patrick and Ruth continued to date and fell deeply in love, marrying in 1994. They moved to Minneapolis upon graduation where he clerked for Cooper’s & Lybrand, and was then hired by Arthur Anderson where he focused on accounting. Pat went on to work for 3M Corporation in international tax accounting, where he used both law and accounting skill sets. After several years, Pat decided to leave corporate life and focus on his true love of practicing law by joining Clark A. Joslin Law (eventually Joslin & Moore Law Office, PA) of Cambridge, Minnesota. Pat loved working as a local attorney in every aspect: from defending clients in court to helping them understand wills and trusts. He served on many non-profit boards, including The ARC of Minnesota, Capable Partners, and Dallas Safari Club-Heartland Chapter. He started his own non-profit organization, Silent Ability, which was committed to helping physically challenged people remain active in outdoor sports. Patrick was an avid gun and bow enthusiast and hunter of deer, geese, grouse, ducks, turkeys, moose, elk, antelopes, and eventually bear. One of his greatest joys was taking his nephews and nieces on hunting and fishing trips throughout the US. Pat worked with several children with physical limitations to help inspire them to live beyond their limitations. He was also well-known in the community for teaching NRA-certified gun safety and concealed carry classes. He noted with pride that Ruth’s chili was often served at his classes as a perk. Pat was a huge fan of fine food and especially drink. He loved building things in the garage, and even learned to weld (acetylene and spot welding). He was also the star of “Lawyers, Guns, and Money”, a weekly radio show on the Happy Trucker internet station. His true life forte was being able to genuinely connect with folks in all stations of life and appreciate them for who they were.
Pat was diagnosed with bladder cancer in October 2022, which led to his eventual demise. He defied all odds, and even astounded doctors at Mayo Clinic with his resiliency and comebacks right up to the end. He died on October 9, 2023, after leaving no medical stone unturned, surrounded by family at his bedside.
He is preceded in death by his nephew, Nicholas Moore of Oskaloosa, IA, and his grandparents: Eugene and Alice Moore and George and Marie Stamos of Tipton, Iowa. Patrick is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Ruth Martin Moore; his parents, Eugene and Scottie Moore of Oskaloosa, Iowa, his brothers Matt, (Jill) of Okaloosa, Iowa, and Shawn, (Chuck Cordray); brother-in-law John (Kara) Martin of Des Moines, IA, sister-in-Law Carol (Shawn) Feddern of Ankeny, IA; along with nieces and nephews: Jack Moore; Zane Martin (Tori Schaff); Rece (Kaitlin) Martin; Ava Hayworth; Kathryn and Alexis Cordray; and great-nephew Walker Martin. Not to be excluded are hundreds and hundreds of friends, acquaintances, and clients who came to adore and be inspired by Pat and witness his amazing life journey.
Dallas & Lorna Leier says
Ruth and Moore Family. So sorry to learn of Patrick’s passing. Many good memories over the years. Capable Partners, Concealed Care class’s and many more fun things. Patrick will be missed by many.
Michael Raymond says
I first met Patrick during a permit carry class that he worked with a dear mutual friend, Joe Showalter. After that, Patrick was an infrequent trivia player at a l9cal bar and grill. It was always a joy to see him and chat about current events and his depth and breadth of knowledge was inspiring.
I will miss him and I offer my deepest sympathy to his family and close friends who will miss him more.
Michelle Lundeen says
Wow…I love reading this and getting to know Pat more through this tribute. He was always so kind and encouraging to me. I was able to connect with Pat (and Ruth) at numerous social events and worked with Pat a couple of times on real estate related things within his law practice. Pat’s passing is leaving such a void in our community and my heart is so sad.
Brian says
Praying for you! 💜
James and Joy Wheeler says
We were honored to know Pat for a very short time as he helped us get our house in order with a well planned will! We are shocked that Pat has passed and will miss him. We are also greatful that our daughter had the opportunity to work for Pat and Ruth at the law office! God Bless the memory of Pat!
Jack & Kim Scieszinski says
Our deepest sympathies to your family as you struggle with the grief of Pat’s death. What an AMAZING MAN.
Mary Heslinga says
Dearest Friends, my heart hurts for you and am holding you in prayer.
Rose Van Egmond says
I knew Patrick as a very young boy. My fondest memory was the beginning of a vacation in the Lake of the Ozarks as a babysitter.
He seems to have grown into an exceptional man!
Gene, Scotty, Kitty and the rest of the fam and friends…know I am praying for peace to you all as you go through this difficult time.
Rick Allely says
It was an honor and a privilege to know Pat as a friend and to serve as a fellow board member on the Heartland Dallas Safari Club Board. Pat’s determination, knowledge, and passion for the outdoors lead to tremendous opportunities for many youth that would have never experienced the outdoors without him and his great work. Pat had a connection with people, but more importantly with kids. Kids watched, listened ,and learned to dream big while knowing that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Both of my kids were touched by his love, vision, generousity, and time doing what he loved. I know his work will continue through our family and many others.
Ruth we send our love, prayers, and deepest sympathy to you and the entire family. He will be truly missed by us all. Love Rick, Nate, & Liv
Rob Konen says
My condolences go out to family and close friends of Pat. I only knew Pat in a professional capacity – he was so helpful, kind and personable. I enjoyed reading this memoriam of Pat and finding out so much more about what an amazing person he was both in his practice AND outside the office. My heart truly aches with his passing – he will be missed by many.
JOHN BAADSGAARD says
Prayers for Ruth, the Moore family and friends. My wife and I were referred to Pat by our accountant. She said we were kindred spirits and would get along great. She was right! Pat always made us very comfortable with his thoughtful and accurate advice. Ruth and Pat defined what is important in relationships and life. He will always be remembered.
Sincerely, John and Wendy
tyler schroeder says
Moore Family,
Saddened to hear of Patrick’s passing, but even more enlightened to hear about his accomplishments and passion for life. He is one of the very few that was able to ring every drop of life out of our limited time on this planet.
To my misfortune Patrick and I only crossed paths a hand full of times. The stories I’ve heard and the admiration he had from the Schroeder’s will always live on.
My deepest condolences for the loss of a of truly inspirational man.
Bill Keenan [Keenan's Bar and Grill] says
I’m sorry to hear about Patrick passing away. My deepest sympathies to Ruth, family and friends.
If I was I asked to describe Pat, I would say “What A Great Guy”, he was one of the most interesting, smartest and friendliest people I’ve ever met.
Steven J. Weintraut says
I went to law school with Pat and his obituary describes him well. Pat was very intelligent, outgoing, funny, and a fun lover. Pat was well above the norm for most lawyers in this regard. I admired his abilities to to make good friends quickly and to make conversations rewarding and entertaining.
I will miss him and so will the practice of law.