Paul Bruce Patterson, 87, passed away on December 9, 2023. He was born on March 20, 1936 to Kenneth and Luella Patterson in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Paul married Carol Gurnett on September 21, 1957 and were blessed with 66 beautiful years together.
Paul loved life—he worked hard and played hard! He joined Felco (Land O’ Lakes) in Fort Dodge at age 19, loading company trucks on the night shift and moved to the office area 3 years later, eventually becoming Vice President of the Fertilizer Division in 1991, following a transfer to Minneapolis. He retired as Director of Plant/Food Supply of Land O’ Lakes in 1998 and moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona where he enjoyed dances, card games, tennis, golf, and warm sunny days!
As a couple Paul and Carol enjoyed eating out, dancing, walking, casinos, and cruises. As a father, Paul enjoyed taking the kids to Colorado hiking, camping, and white-water rafting; as well as sledding, biking, and running, golfing, and competitive card games. He loved taking the grandkids around on his golf cart, playing games, and telling jokes and stories.
Paul enlisted in the Iowa Air National Guard in 1954 with the 133rd Aircraft Control & Warning Flight, was trained as a power technician and an electrical product specialist and served 8 years.
Paul is survived by his wife, Carol, children Craig (Mel) Patterson, Deb (Mike) Conlon, Janet (Steve) Anderson, and Scott (Pam) Patterson as well as grandchildren Nevin (Sami) Conlon, Maggie (Casey) Negrete, Neil (Theresa) Conlon, Casey & Austin Anderson, Walter & Jack Patterson, and Jenn (Michael) Trojan and Nevyn & Jared Dunphy. He had 7 great grandchildren Eiley, Nora & Elsie Conlon, Savannah & Graham Negrete, and Lexie & Aaron Trojan. He is also survived by his siblings, Larry (Mara) Patterson, Elizabeth (Duane) Johnson, Marty (Laurann) Patterson, Suzanne (Bruce) Johnston, Sharon (Eric) Lutz, and Peggy (Russell) Rice.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines where family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until service time. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa.
