Patrick Laverne Wikse

What characteristics does one have to be considered GOAT (greatest of all time) status? Are you bigger, stronger, fitter than your counterpart? Do you possess special talents that go above and beyond the norm? Are you smarter than your competitor? As I put words on paper, I ponder these questions and come to the conclusion that it is not how you view yourself, but how others perceive you. My father, Pat Wikse, is a perfect example of a well respected leader in his community who, time and time again, has shown honesty, integrity, love, and support for his family, friends, peers, students, and former athletes.

Patrick Laverne Wikse was born on July 2, 1936 in Rockford, Illinois to Laverne and

Gladys Wikse. He graduated from West High School and attended Iowa Wesleyan University

where he played both football and tennis.

He earned a teaching degree in Education majoring in History. His first teaching job was in a small Illinois town called Paw Paw. From there, he moved to New Mexico to teach and coach three years in Las Cruces and three years in Carlsbad before returning to Illinois. He accepted to teach and coach at Harlem High School in Love Park where he was involved in coaching many sports before building his own tennis program. He incorporated the teachings of Dennis Van der Meer and was very adamant that his athletes were taught the correct fundamentals as this played a crucial role in their development of sound skills.

In 1973, he led the Huskies to their first NIC-10 title in any sport. While continuing to build a successful tennis program, he went back to school and obtained his Master’s degree in History. In 1981, he moved his family to Odessa, Texas, and took the head tennis coaching position at Permian High School. He felt this was a better opportunity for his three children to pursue their dreams to play at the college level. In his 21 years as the head tennis coach, he had 30 District qualifiers, 11 Regional qualifiers, 4 State quarterfinalists, 5 State semifinalists, and 1 State finalist. He has had several All-Americans with many players receiving scholarships at the university level. He has been honored “Coach of the Year'' in Texas, respectively, by his fellow peers, and before his retirement, he was inducted into the Texas Coaches Hall of Fame.

In honor of all his service at Permian High School, the Pat Wikse tennis facility was named. Before and after retirement, Coach Wikse always gave his time freely to hundreds of athletes. He continued to offer his knowledge and expertise to young coaches and players alike. His love for the sport of tennis is immeasurable, as are the lives he has touched through a common interest he has shared with each and every individual. Not only did he turn out great players, but he instilled life lessons and values that shaped these athletes into outstanding human beings with great careers and families of their own. Many of his former students and athletes have continued a friendship over the years which is a reflection of the positive influence he had on their lives.

When I look back at my father’s life, I can say, unequivocally, that he is the GOAT. He was a loving father, a brilliant coach and mentor, but most of all, my best friend. The high morals and values he lived by were not only seen by his family, but every life he touched. You will be sorely missed, but incredibly loved.

He is predeceased by his first wife, Janet Ary Wikse. He is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Ann Wikse; his four children, Ellen McMahon, Casey Ahlbrand, Brad Wikse; stepson Tommy Heiting; eight grandchildren, Kameron McMahon, Chase McMahon, Kendall McMahon, Sydney Ahlbrand, Jake Wikse, Brooke Wikse, Paxton Heiting, Peyton Heiting; his two siblings, Colleen Wood and Dan Wikse; two nieces, Andi Langley and Tracey Wikse; and two nephews, Steve Langley and Dan Wikse.

A rosary for Patrick will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors, 4635 Oakwood Dr, Odessa, Texas 79761. A memorial service will occur Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:00 am at St Mary's Catholic Church, 612 East 18th Street, Odessa, Texas 79761.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frankwwilson.com for the Wikse family.