Pat and Linda Kerrigan
Described as “faithful, generous, and kind,” Pat and Linda Kerrigan have spent their lives practicing the Franciscan values of hospitality and peacemaking. Whether it be inviting old or new friends/acquaintances to their house for dinner to share a meal, serving as mentors for local youth, or hosting international guests for a few days, weeks, or even years, the door to the Kerrigan home is always open to anyone needing a place to feel included and welcomed.
Their passion for all things international began with a joint Peace Corps assignment teaching English in South Korea as newlyweds, and since then they have embraced learning from and forming friendships with people of other diverse backgrounds and cultures.
The couple also has invested themselves in community service. In the past, Pat and Linda have served on the La Crescent Applefest Board, parochial and public school boards, and have participated in Catholic parish ministry and FSPA homeless initiatives. Pat has been a board member of Family and Children’s Center, La Crosse Mental Health Coalition, Riverfront, United Way, and Marywood Spirituality Center. Additionally, he was a charter member and served as president of La Crescent Rotary and received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. Linda has volunteered at the Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse Jail Ministry, and La Crosse Area Restorative Justice Program. Currently, they volunteer with La Crescent Neighbors in Action and Salvation Army.
The Kerrigans have provided financial support to Franciscan Spirituality Centers, as well as the FSPA Peace Garden, scholarships, and other initiatives at Viterbo University, Pat’s longtime former employer.