Patrick Heaslip

Patrick Henry Heaslip, a life-long resident of Duluth, passed away on September 29, 2018, at Edgewood Senior Living in Hermantown, Minnesota. He was 90 years old.

Pat was born in Duluth on August 18, 1928, the eighth of twelve children. He graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School in 1946 and joined the Marine Corps.  Returning to Duluth in 1948, Pat worked on the ore docks while earning his bachelor’s degree at UMD through the ROTC program.

In 1955, Pat began his career as a probation officer with St. Louis County.  In 1976, Pat became the Chief Probation Officer of the newly-formed Arrowhead Regional Corrections, serving Koochiching, Lake, Cook, Carlton, Aitkin and St. Louis counties.  He was instrumental in the creation of the Arrowhead Juvenile Center.  Pat retired from corrections in 1986.

Pat married Doreen Engquist in the early 50’s.  They started a family in Central Hillside and moved to Lakeside/Lester Park in 1960, where they raised seven children.  Pat worked other part-time jobs at Northwoods Children’s Home, Mesabi Range Community College, and the Duluth Bethel.  Pat also served in the Minnesota Air National Guard, retiring after 25 years at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Pat was always involved in his children’s activities ranging from music to academics to sports.  Commitment to family extended to his siblings, nephews, and nieces.  He was an ever-present founder of an annual Heaslip family reunion, a July event spanning four generations from Pat and his siblings.

After retirement, Pat golfed, traveled, and taught himself how to ski, eventually becoming an instructor heading the Spirit Mountain Grade School Ski Program.  He served on the board at the Duluth Bethel.  Pat was active with the Lake Avenue Loafers as one of its original members.  His Irish smile, wit, and stories will be cherished by many.

Pat is predeceased by his second wife, Jan Hauer; son, Kerry Heaslip; grandson, Gabriel Heaslip; and special friend, Lola Case.

Pat is survived by his first wife, Doreen Gableman; daughters, Laura (Mark Nelson), Julie Kirkham (Tom); sons, Mark (Nancy Dudley), Kevin (Kathy), Brian (Laurice), Craig (Ai Hua Xin); sister, Tess O’Leary; brother-in-law, Walt Peterson; step-daughter, Lee Ann MacDougall; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and their extended families.

Pat’s family gratefully acknowledges his caregivers and friends who visited him during his last years, including Nicole Biondich, who cared for Pat’s beloved cats during his time at Edgewood and spent many hours with Pat.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 7th from 3-5pm at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd Street in Duluth.  Visitation will continue Monday, October 8th at 10 am at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 4901 E Superior Street, Duluth, with a funeral mass to begin at 11 am.  Burial processional will follow mass at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to the Duluth Bethel, 23 Mesaba Avenue, Duluth, Minnesota 55806.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555