It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Patrick John Wren, who passed away on July 9, 2025, after valiantly fighting a brain abscess and thyroid cancer for many months.
Born on Nov. 13, 1946 in Thermopolis, Wyoming, Patrick was the son of Maurice Cofer Wren and Francis Flora Corson Wren. After graduating from Gunnison High School in 1964, he earned dual degrees in English and psychology/sociology at Western State College in 1968. Upon graduation from Western, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in Vietnam. Following an honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Gunnison, Colorado, where he began his career in teaching in 1974. Patrick spent the early years of his career teaching and coaching boys’ basketball at Ruland Junior High School. He later taught at Gunnison High School, where he also served as assistant principal and girls’ JV basketball coach. His love of teaching was evident in the students’ lives he touched.
In 1962, he met Dorothy Pasqua at Gunnison High School. They were married in the summer of 1967 and went on to have two children, Jill Wren and Abigail Wren.
After 27 years of teaching in the Gunnison school district, Patrick retired in 2001. At this point, he was able to spend more time enjoying his passion: the great outdoors. Consistent with his love of the outdoors, Patrick also spent his summers and early retirement years hanging with the guys doing “Mosquito Control.” On any given free day, he was happiest going for a drive in the hills and riding his ATV.
Patrick’s ability to connect with his community was one of his greatest gifts. From the teller at the bank to the nurse at the clinic to the many students that he taught over the years, Patrick enriched the lives of those he encountered. He always took time to listen to a story or share a laugh or two. His smile brightened the lives of those around him.
Patrick was a proud member of the Gunnison Elks Lodge, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion.
Patrick was predeceased by his mother and father, Francis and Maurice Wren, and his sister, Charlene Lynn Wren. He is survived by his daughters, Jill Wren and Abigail Wren (Chad Thralls), his grandson Parker Thralls, his nieces Valerie Horney and Karen Pearce (Mark Pearce), and his great nieces Kelsey Pearce (Haley Pittman), Lauren Pearce (Charles Benoit) and Hannah Pearce.
Services will be held on Wednesday, July 16 at 2 p.m. at the Fred Field Center in Gunnison. Graveside service and celebration of life will follow. In lieu of flowers, Patrick requested that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans. Donations may be made online at help.dav.org or mailed to Disabled American Veterans, 860 Dolwick Drive, Erlanger, KY 41018.
