I have so many memories of John. Every single one of them was good. I met him in the early 70's and we did a lot together. I remember playing chess through the haze of smoke and GIQ's with Pink Floyd blasting in the background, playing Acquire, going to a Lee Michaels concert in Detroit, hanging out, talking politics, and everything else. He was bright, fun, and a joy to be around. He was a great friend to me. I regret that we lost touch. I did a search for him just tonight and discovered this sad news. Christel my heart breaks for you. I know he loved you as deeply as any man is capable of loving. I always saw in your eyes a deep burning love for him. He was so blessed. Please know that you are in my thoughts, my heart, and in my prayers...Bill Lawson

Sorry to hear about John. Way to young to leave this earth. I regret not being at the reunion last year to visit with him. I could not make it as there was an emergency in the family in Tennessee. John was my second cousin. I am Gertie Chalker Rust's girl Doris. Gertie was Johns grandpa's sister... My thoughts go out to you... Doris Caylor

What a lovely tribute, Christel.  Your love shows through the words and pictures.  My thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of your good friend.

Christel,  I only had four cousins and the one I knew the best was John.  It was always interesting to talk to John, he knew a lot about many different topics.  The last time I was with John, we shared some of his homemade hard cider.  It was really good.  I will truly miss John, and I have good memories about him.  My thoughts are with you as well as my prayers.  Dean Shipman

Oh Christel,
My heart just aches for you, John Kiel and everyone.  I cannot begin to imagine your pain...To come from where you both did, and accomplish what you both did... and to be so tight with each other, is a true blessing in life.  I cherish the goodtimes... and think of you and John so often.  
So many memories!  The pictures are great!
I am so sorry.  
Love, Susan

Christel and family, 

We are so sorry that John,s life was cut short by illness.  John was a really nice guy and an interesting person and we will miss him.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Shirley and John

I worked with John for many years and am greatly saddened that he has passed.  My condolences to his family and friends.

I have many fond memories of your Grand Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson, your Father, John and of course, you!...All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I miss the old days.

May your memories bring you solace. Peace and love to you and your family

John was a great friend and a character and a half. We met in the 70s while working for the State. John always made a point to reach out occasionally and stay in touch. 

He always went deeper into his many, many interests than anyone else. We shared a lot of music and laughs. I was looking forward to following (and sharing) his adventures for years to come. I can only imagine what he's into now with his new friends.

Très sincères condoléances ; tes cousins outre-Atlantique pensent à toi et à tes proches dans ces moments difficiles. Love, Philippe, Régine and Lydie

Years ago, I first met John @ Dusty's Tap Room.  He sat by me, we conversed for some time, he was 1 of the funniest people I ever met, so full of stories, jokes, etc...I asked him about his wife, etc...oh my gosh, I worked w/her for years..he called, she came to meet us and we had a ball.  They, like I, have green blood and I have tickets to all MSU events.  One of my last greatest memories of John was taking he and Christel to the MSU/Purdue bball game, they had the greatest evening...It felt sooo good to see them out together and to be with them.  My husband met John and Christel about 4 years ago, liked him instantly! We will forever hold him dear in our hearts and continue to love him and hold on to so many great memories.  John had a wonderful, fulfilling life and he will be greatly missed.

Much love,
Tina Sager Pentecost (Durand, Haslett)
Roger Ballard (Haslett)

When I received the email at work and saw the subject line "John P", I got a tear and prayed “no, not John Patterson” … so young.  He just retired.

I have fond memories of John during the mainframe days and our teamwork.  We shared many phone conversations and John always seemed to have a laugh no matter if the message was good or bad.   John was a beer connoisseur.  I have bumped into him and shared the bar stool next to him at the Tap Room on several occasions.  He was full of stories and always a pleasure to talk to.

My prayers to his family.
John is dearly missed.

So saddened to hear the news of John's passing. I worked with John for several years with the State and he always had a daily joke for me. We also talked daily about MSU sports. He was a joy to work with with and will be missed.

OBITUARY

John E. Patterson

May 13, 1948 – May 23, 2012

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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