Patrick Marciniak

Patrick Marciniak, 59, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on December 22, 2025. Pat was born on September 20, 1966 in Cloquet, MN and graduated from Cloquet High School in 1985.

Pat served 26 years with the Cloquet Area Fire District alongside his firehall “brothers”, who selflessly guided his career as a Firefighter/Paramedic from beginning to end. It was at “the Hall” that Pat bonded with his dearest mentor and comedy soulmate, Tom Tester, who lovingly nicknamed him, “Ratt”. As with most firefighters, Pat had great compassion for humanity and took immense satisfaction and pride in putting it to work.

Pat loved spending time with family and friends at the Figure 8 hunting shack near Floodwood partaking in grouse and deer hunting as well as bonfires and saunas. Pat was an avid Minnesota Twins and Green Bay Packers fan; just ask anybody. Pat had an intense passion for political debate, a knowledge of trivia that few could surpass, and a brilliant sense of humor!

A former Junior Olympian cross-country skier, Pat continued his father’s legacy as a coach to future generations of skiers through his work with and devotion to the Cloquet Ski Club. Pine Valley was a place of sanctuary for Pat, skiing and walking his dog on the trails that his father helped design.

After dedicating a majority of his life in service to others, Pat can now rest in peace with his parents, Kathleen (Faye) and Michael (Mick) Marciniak, many extended family members, in-laws and several treasured friends he lost far too early in life. Pat is survived by his spouse, Kimberly, beloved sons Maxwell (27) and Samuel (21), brothers Kevin (Beth) and Todd (Beth), many dear uncles, aunts, nieces, nephew, grand-nephews, loving cousins, and cherished friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date this year. In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family asks for donation in memory of Pat to the Cloquet Ski Club here (tinyurl.com/CloquetSki), or mail donations to Cloquet Ski Club, 248 Ikola Rd, Esko, MN 55733.