Patrick Allen Bleiler

Age 69

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Patrick Allen Bleiler, age 69. Patrick lived a life defined by service, laughter, generosity, and an unwavering love and dedication for his family. He passed away on Monday after quietly and bravely battling an aggressive cancer.

Patrick is survived by his beloved wife and life partner of 37 years, Tanya Bleiler. Their story began while serving together as volunteer firefighters with the Concord Fire Department, where they first met. He went on to join the Elkhart Fire Department in 1989, proudly serving the community for 29 years before retiring.

At the fire station, Patrick earned the affectionate nickname “Grandpa.” Not because he was old, but because he was usually either grumbling about something or catching a nap in the recliners. His fellow firefighters will undoubtedly smile every time they think of him eating his nightly cup of ice cream covered with milk and enjoyed with his extra long spoon.

More than anything, Patrick was a devoted father and grandfather. He is lovingly survived by his children, Jamie Costa, Brianna Bleiler (Brian), Zach Roop (Jara), and Autumn Nicholson (Eric). He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jason Bleiler (Joyce), whom he missed dearly. Patrick was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Nothing in the world made him happier than watching his grandchildren play sports, celebrating their accomplishments, or simply spending time with them. He was known as the family’s “baby whisperer” because he could get even the fussiest grandchild to fall asleep when no one else stood a chance.

Retirement was everything Patrick hoped it would be. He loved to travel wherever the road would take him, whether it was a cross-country drive or an overseas adventure somewhere new. Long road trips were best spent listening to murder mysteries, audio books and Dateline. He loved any outdoor activities including hunting, hiking, fishing, camping, yard work and gardening. Patrick took special pride in caring for the hummingbirds in his yard. Every season, without fail, he made sure the feeders were cleaned, filled, and ready the moment they returned. He would watch for them constantly, making sure “his birds” were taken care of. He also spent time cultivating a special garden for his Monarchs and was delighted every year when they arrived. He loved sharing their development. It was one of the many ways he showed his patience, wonder, and care for the world around him.

Many afternoons were spent at “the park” with his dogs, which was actually Metazoa Brewery, where he enjoyed his favorite beer, Puppy Slumber Party. He somehow always knew the latest neighborhood “tea,” because he had the gift of gab and made friends everywhere he went.

If there was something broken, Patrick fixed it. If someone needed a deck built, a project finished, a yard cleaned up, or simply a helping hand, he was already on his way. He gave his time freely, asked for nothing in return, and found genuine joy in taking care of the people around him.

Patrick was a passionate Notre Dame football fan. Saturdays often included loud, expletive-laced conversations with the television whenever the Fighting Irish weren’t playing the way he thought they should. He was a loyal Cubs fan throughout his entire life.

One of Patrick’s greatest gifts was making people laugh. His quick wit and playful sense of humor could leave you laughing so hard your sides hurt. He had endured more heartbreak in his life than most people and yet, he always found a way to bring light and joy to the room.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Janet and Herman Bleiler; his sisters, Jeanie and twin Pammy; and his son, Jason Bleiler. He is survived by his half-brother, Mike Eby.

Patrick didn’t tell many people about his cancer because he never wanted his illness to define him. Instead, he continued doing what he had always done—loving his family, helping others, making people laugh, and living life as fully as he could.

His legacy isn’t measured only by the fires he helped extinguish or the years he served his community. It lives on in every project he built, every person he helped, every grandchild he cheered for, every laugh he inspired, and every life he made a little better just by being in it.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and loved always.