Patrick Joseph McGauley

Patrick Joseph McGauley age 81 of Hibbing passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, at his home. Pat was born March 18, 1942, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth to Richard and Madeline (Myre) McGauley. Pat’s early years were in Riverside, West Duluth and the family moved to Eveleth during the winter of 1954, while Hoyt Lakes was being built. He attended Aurora Hoyt Lakes schools from seventh grade until he graduated in 1960. He lettered in baseball and hockey and was credited with an assist on the first goal scored in AHL tournament history. After attaining his AA from the then Virginia JC, Pat went to Winona State College in 1962, majored in education, and graduated with honors in 1964. His sociology background and minor in political science enabled him to be accepted into the U of M Public Administration master’s program. He completed his Master’s in 1967. Some of Pat’s career highlights were teaching at Hinckley High School from 1964-65, and coaching wrestling. From 1965-75 he taught at Hibbing High School. 1977-81 Pat served as Commissioner of the IRRRB under Governor Albert Quie, before resuming teaching anthropology, sociology, and psychology at Hibbing High School (1984-2000). In total, Pat taught for 26 years with the Hibbing Faculty. He worked labor and promoted to pit foreman at National Steel (Keewatin), served as the historian for the Iron Range Interpretative Center, and spent years in service on both the Hibbing Foundation and the Hibbing Historical Society. Pat was blessed throughout his life, and wasn’t embarrassed to tell people such. Some of his final wisdom was we won’t find a full, deep joy, and happiness if the Lord is not part of our life. Those who have read his novels, beginning with the Mesaba Trilogy and going through the Father Mickey series, will see this belief reflected in his writing as well. Pat once remarked that he felt like he’d travelled the world with half of Hibbing. And many of you either were part of these adventures or know those who he’s referring to. His itinerary lists the former USSR, where he was honored with the title Commissar, Ukraine, China, Kenya, most every country in Europe and Scandinavia.

In the end, Pat hoped that he lived a life where the many people he knew would say “He was a good Man.”

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Richard B. and Madeline (Myre) McGauley, brother, John A. McGauley. He is survived by his children, Shannon McGauley, Christopher (Susan) McGauley, Erin McGauley Otterbeck, grandchildren, Cali, Jack, Braden, Noah, Madeline, and Grace, brothers, David (Theresa) McGauley, James Michael McGauley  and special friend Gail Nevalainen. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12 noon Friday, February 16, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 am until the beginning of mass at noon. Interment will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing at a later date.