Joseph "Patrick" McCormick

With deep love, we announce the passing of Joseph “Patrick” McCormick, age 97—a devoted spouse, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He died at 10:10 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, at Concordia Village in Springfield, IL.

Joseph Patrick McCormick was born on September 16th, 1929, in Baraboo, WI, the eldest son of Joseph and Helen McCormick. He attended St. Joseph’s Grade School and Baraboo High School. On September 26th, 1946—10 days after his 17th birthday—he enlisted as a private in the United States Army. After six weeks of training at Fort Bliss, Texas, he was stationed in Nara, Japan, until 1948. He received the World War II Victory Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal, Japan. Using the GI Bill, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where he earned a BA in History. He later received a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. On June 20th, 1959, he married Monica (Schultz) McCormick in Wisconsin Dells, WI. They had seven children, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He taught and coached high school football, and basketball in Muscoda, WI. He later became a life insurance agent and was promoted to General Agent for Northwestern Mutual Life, prompting the family’s move to Springfield, IL.

Character and Family

Pat taught his family the value of hard work, and expressed his love through actions, traditions, and everyday habits. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, and laugh, his Irish “gift of the gab,” and his ready supply of jokes. He never met a stranger, and his family was his pride and joy.

A Teacher and Coach

A teacher and coach at heart, Pat spent countless hours supporting his children and grandchildren. He took an interest in whatever they pursued, helping them study, and refine their athletic skills or simply listening when they needed him.

Generosity and Community

Pat’s door—and kitchen table—was always open to neighborhood children. A proud Irishman, he displayed a large shamrock on his front door year-round bearing the words “McCormick Place.” He was active in the American Business Club, and Christ the King Parish, and later St. Agnes Parish, and volunteered for years as a football coach for the SW Bears junior league team, and as a women’s basketball coach at Christ the King Grade School, and Routt Catholic High School.

Energy and Service

Pat rarely stood still. After a full day, he often came home and made recruiting calls for hours. In retirement, he launched new businesses and volunteered overseas in several countries with his wife.

He is survived by sons Dennis (Marcia) McCormick of Springfield, IL; Mike (Susie) McCormick of Sherman, IL; Tim (Ana) McCormick of San Tan Valley, AZ; and Dick (Maura) McCormick of Springfield, IL; daughters Susan McCormick of Springfield, IL, and Lisa (Brian) Huff of Lincoln, IL; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister Theresa McCormick of Madison, WI; and brother Jim (Carol) McCormick of Ames, IA. He was preceded in death by wife, Monica; son Thomas James McCormick; grandchild Liam Thomas Patrick Purcell of Springfield, IL; his parents; sister Mary Steive of Baraboo, WI; and brother William McCormick of Racine, WI.

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026. The family will receive friends at 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N Amos Ave, Springfield, IL 62702, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with Fr. Nellikunnel officiating. Burial at Calvary Cemetery to follow.

His family will carry his memory forward through the lessons, stories, and love he gave so generously.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.

Memorials and Special Thanks

The Coming Home Network International

PO Box 8290, Zanesville, Ohio 43702-8290

St. Agnes Parish

245 N. Amos Ave, Springfield, IL 62702

Flowers

True Color Floral

217-787-7919