04/27/2026
Mr. Patrick “Pat” Edward Mixen, 66, of Streator, Il. passed away suddenly at 5:45 p.m. on April 22, 2026, at Parker Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Streator, Il.
Cremation rites will be accorded; a private family dinner and celebration of his life will be held at a future date. Hager Memorial Home of Dwight has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Patrick was born on December 30, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois. The son of Robert Leon and Carol Jean (Kenzal) Mixen. He was united in marriage to Betty Jean Lewandowski on February 14, 1992, in Pontiac, Illinois.
Patrick is survived by his sister, Kathy (Michael) Noonan of Dwight, Il.; his brother, William (Sharon) Mixen of Pontiac, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Betty Jean Mixen; and his four brothers, Robert P. Mixen, Thomas O. Mixen, James L. Mixen, and John M. Mixen.
Pat will be remembered by family and friends as a survivor after his severe car accident at 28 years old that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. This accident and injury changed his world, but it never broke his spirit. Pat presented with an internal endurance, some may envy, having to re-learn everything over again from speaking, writing, walking, taking care of his basic needs and living an adult life etc… He worked and pushed himself harder each and every day to survive and become a better version of himself. This determination inspired others who knew him.
The contagious “Mixen” laugh would overtake him at times and will forever bring smiles to our faces. Family was Pat’s heartbeat. His nieces fondly remember Sunday dinners, knowing the Twizzlers and vanilla ice cream would soon be arriving. On summer weekends, he’d be sporting his cut-off jean shorts and sandals walking down to the dock with his red cooler filled with Coke and a huge smile.
He began to find peace in the simple rhythms of life. He learned appreciation and love for holiday music, watching with a smile, and participating in the transformation of his apartment into a winter wonderland followed by a family pizza party. As the years passed and the long-term effects of the head injury began to present difficulties, Pat continued to enjoy the small moments including family dinners, smiling and laughing when the music was turned up to his favorite rock and roll songs, and sitting quietly watching the younger generation play.
He now is whole again and finds rest and the peace he has been searching for while joining his beloved wife Betty, his parents, Bob and Carol; and brothers Johnny, Jimmy, Tommy, and Bobby. With a bit of good luck and his laughter, we like to imagine the family hearing him coming and with open arms welcoming him home to the seat at the card table. Our hearts have given a small part away to take with you. Pat, until we see that smile and hear that laugh again, we will love and remember you from below.
Memorial donations in Patrick's name may be made to Futures Unlimited Inc, 210 E. Torrance Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764, www.futuresunlimited.org.
Online condolences may be made to the family at calvertmemorial.com.