Ralph J. Patterson
Born: January 17th, 1922
Died: April 2nd, 2006
Obituary
Ralph J. "Pat" Patterson, 84, of Burlington died Sunday, April 2, 2006, at his residence. Born January 17, 1922 in Washington, Iowa, he was the son of R. Patterson and Hazel Mae Patterson and was raised by his grandparents, James and Martha Patterson. On October 19, 1940 he married Marie F. Langer in Kahoka, Missouri. She died July 3, 2002. Mr. Patterson was a World War II Navy veteran. He then worked at Iowa Army Ammunition Plant until 1955 and then worked as a special cabinetmaker for Lehigh-Leopold Furniture Division for 30 years, retiring in 1984. He loved listening to music, watching movies, reading, and spending time with his family. Having a great sense of humor, he loved telling jokes. Survivors include two sons, William J. (Julia) Patterson of Burlington and Dr. Robert S. (Marta) Patterson of Springfield, Missouri; one daughter, Kathy Ann Gates of Burlington; 15 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and one sister, Kathleen Calhoun. His wife; parents; and son-in-law, Dr. Jon H. Gates, preceded him in death. A memorial has been established for the Animal Protection League Homeward Bound Adoption Center.