PATTERSON, Earl Ray "Mike" 1924-2018

PATTERSON, FARNUM, DIEHL

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 4/17/2018 at 10:04:20

Earl Ray “Mike” Patterson

Funeral Service:
Friday, April 20, 2018
Parrott and Wood
965 Home Plaza
Waterloo, Iowa

Burial:
Garden of Memories
3669 Logan Ave
Waterloo, Iowa

Military Honors:
At graveside service
Performed by AMVETS Post’s 19&31

Earl Ray “Mike” Patterson was born on May 13, 1924 in Waverly to Perry and Viva (Farnum) Patterson. He was raised in Waterloo and attended Waterloo schools. Mike honorably served our country in the United States Navy from 1942- 1946. During his time in the Navy, he worked on a wooden mine sweep and also worked as a gunner.

Mike met the love of his life, Donna Diehl and the two were married on November 28, 1953 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The couple welcomed five children into their lives and spent their adult life in Evansdale. He worked as a heavy equipment mechanic and carpenter before his retirement. Mike enjoyed riding his lawn mower, mowing lawns, fishing, going to the casino and playing cards. He also greatly enjoyed tearing things apart and putting them back together. Most of all, Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and loved them all deeply.

Earl “Mike” Patterson died on Monday, April 16, 2018 at Cedar Valley Hospice Home, in Waterloo, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his siblings: Perry Jr, Myron (Pat), Bonabelle, Marian, and Jim; and by one great-granddaughter: Avery Patterson.

Mike is survived by his wife of 64 years: Donna; 5 children: Diane Fischer of Evansdale, Michael (Deb) Patterson of Raymond, Kent (Julie) Patterson of Evansdale, Mark (Leah) Patterson of Evansdale, and Sonny (Candy) Patterson of La Porte City; three siblings: Ada Windecker of Alida, MN, Mary Lou Shelquist of Alida MN, and Wayne LeRoy Patterson of Alida, MN; 3 extended family members: Cheryl Vaughn of Grundy Center, Deanna Campbell of Waterloo, and Burdette Trueg of Evansdale; 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

SOURCE: Parrott & Wood funeral home website