Dr. Patrick Wray Wojtkiewicz

Dr. Patrick Wray Wojtkiewicz, 72, was born on December 18, 1953 in Shreveport, Louisiana and passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Wojtkiewicz, known affectionately as "Doc" by his family, spent nearly 50 years making a profound impact at the North Louisiana Crime Lab and Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. He was a proud 1971 graduate of Captain Shreve High School, where he played football, and went on to become part of the first graduating class at Louisiana State University Shreveport in 1975. He furthered his education at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, where he met his beloved wife, Donna.

Dr. Wojtkiewicz started his career at the North Louisiana Crime Lab in 1977, working in the serology department. In 1999, he earned his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Tulane University and went on to become one of Louisiana’s first certified DNA forensic experts. He served for nearly 30 years as Director of DNA Research and Training, retiring as Lab Director Emeritus in December 2025. During his tenure, he helped develop the DNA Analysis Unit into one of the premier facilities in the country, utilizing the latest techniques to analyze DNA evidence.

Throughout his career, Dr. Wojtkiewicz was deeply committed to sharing his knowledge and advancing his field beyond the walls of the laboratory. As an expert witness in DNA analysis, he trained attorneys in evidence collection and the presentation of DNA evidence in court. He also mentored the next generation of nursing professionals by teaching at Northwestern State University’s Shreveport Campus. He presented numerous talks and posters on DNA methods, co-authored several articles in the field, and served on both the Governor’s Commission for Post-Conviction DNA Testing and the Legislative Commission for Sexual Assault Investigation. He also played a key role in establishing Louisiana’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program; in 1979, he developed the state’s first rape kit and protocols for evidence collection. His work left a lasting legacy, strengthening the efforts of professionals and providing support to victims and those falsely accused.

Above all, Doc’s greatest joy came from spending quality time with his family, cheering on his favorite SEC teams, and savoring life’s everyday moments. In his final days, he fondly reminisced about building a half-pipe and treehouse in the backyard with his children, walking his dog, exercising at the gym, rocking his children and grandchildren to sleep, and taking many memorable trips with his family, especially to Disney World. Those who knew him will remember his brilliance, his gentle kindness, and the unwavering love he gave to his family and students. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his father, Joseph Anthony Wojtkiewicz; his devoted wife of 49 years, Donna Ledet Wojtkiewicz; his son, Dr. Jeffrey Wojtkiewicz, and wife, Shelley Elizabeth Wojtkiewicz; and his daughters, Jaclyn Wojtkiewicz Maddox and husband, Joshua Maddox, and Jessica Wojtkiewicz Klein, and husband, John Klein. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Scott Wojtkiewicz and wife, Lisa Ebarb; his sisters, DeLayne Wojtkiewicz Maxwell and husband, Roger Maxwell, and Laurie LeAnne Wojtkiewicz Garcia and husband, Antonio Garcia; and his cousins, Lori Allen and Nancy Boggs.

Doc leaves behind three cherished grandchildren, Fisher Patrick, Eleanor Paige, and Callan Andrew. He was deeply proud of the accomplishments of all his nieces and nephews. He deeply loved Donna’s family, especially Momo and Papa.

Dr. Wojtkiewicz was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Wray Crocker Wojtkiewicz and his daughter, Jamie Nicole Wojtkiewicz.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Jeffrey Wojtkiewicz, Fisher Wojtkiewicz, Joshua Maddox, John Klein, Scott Wojtkiewicz, James Scott Wojtkiewicz, Sidney Steinbeck, and Graham Maxwell.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will follow in the family plot at Forest Park Cemetery on St. Vincent Avenue. Officiating Pastor Evan Semanco from The Simple Church.

Dr. Wojtkiewicz’s family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff members at the Willis Knighton Cancer Center and on the Cancer floor at Willis Knighton North who cared for him with compassion, kindness, and dignity.

In lieu of flowers, “Do Good” by giving to a charity of your choice.