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Joseph Patrick Obituary
Joseph Alexander Patrick passed away November 6, 2019. He was born in 1938 and raised in White Oak, South Carolina, the youngest of 3. Joe and Genie, wife of 58 years, settled in Iowa City where they raised their 2 children Benjamin and Amanda and created a lifetime of friends and memories. He was a Professor of Painting and Drawing at the University of Iowa. He treasured his time teaching as well as his students and colleagues, many who became lifelong friends. Joe had many passions. His love of beauty was apparent in his artwork, meticulous garden, and his love of music. The Iowa City Chamber singers was a source of great joy and pride where he was an active member for over 40 years. His numerous drawings of the people of Iowa are a small slice of his body of work. Joseph and Genie split their time between Iowa City and Oaxaca, Mexico since 1978. Many of Joe's paintings reflect his love of Oaxaca through the markets and the people. Joe has left us a lifetime of work, which is a great source of joy and memories for his family and many friends. As one of his students stated, " He was the perfect combination of humor, swagger, and sincerity."
Joe is survived by his wife Genie; his son Benjamin and daughter in-law Denise Martinez; his daughter Amanda and son in-law Fernando (Lalo) Rivera and their 3 children Joseph, Julia, and Bella.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed toward Iowa City Hospice (1025 Wade St. Iowa City, IA 52240)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Patrick
Sponsored by the Press-Citizen.
Stephen Edwards
November 3, 2025
I was a grad drawing major from 1972-74 and became friends with. I gave Ben a blown glass paper weight or vase he liked. Ben painted a wonderful small painting for me. Joe said it was the best he had ever painted and wanted me to give it back! Which I did and understood how important that was. Joe was my favorite teacher and friend in Iowa. Stephen Edwards
Chris Lane, BFA Painting, 1988/ Missoula, Montana
April 3, 2024
I send my condolences to Joe´s family.
I was an Art Student of Joes in the 80´s.
I was in Joe´s first 4 hour drawing class (among others)in 1988 and had the most fun in Joe´s classes.
We´d dance and pose and generally have a super time making drawings. Joe was by far my favorite Prof and I´ll forever remember our marathon critiques in the evening.
One wall of art then the other wall of art! Joe´s painting was brilliant- I will always cherish my time within Joe´s great classes- I was a BFA in Painting but I would have been a BFA on Drawing if it was offered. Sad to hear of Joe´s passing- RIP Joe. The World lost an original.
perky edgerton
June 9, 2021
My husband and I met Joe and Genie in Oaxaca many years ago. They were the best part of our time there . I am so sad they are both gone but they will forever live on in my memories.
Stephen edwards
March 2, 2021
My favorite faculty and friend from my graduate studies. Sorry to hear he passed. Stephen Edwards
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Chris Lane
November 11, 2020
Joe was a wonderfully imaginative and fun teacher. I had him for 3 years of classes and critiques- a forever teacher!
pat edwards
March 20, 2020
Joe was a wonderful teacher and a friend. I can't believe he's gone. He did it all, and did it well. Neighbor, mentor, friend.
Pat Edwards
pat edwards
March 20, 2020
Joe was a wonderful teacher and a friend. I can't believe he's gone. But good job, Joe. You did it all and did it well.
Pat Edwards
Sharon Burns-Knutson
February 16, 2020
The drawing in the obit says it all. Joe was a wonderful artist and character. He was one of the greats in my book.
Robert (Bob) Cocke
November 10, 2019
I was a grad student who was Joe's Teaching Assistant & student in the early 1970s. He gave me my first "break" at Iowa by choosing me for his TA. He was a terrific teacher, a bit of a showman in the classroom, with a great sense of humor, but serious and focused as needed. I left Iowa, but kept in touch, and over the years, we became friends. In recent years I called him "Pal Joey", and he called me "Pal Bobby." When I called or emailed Joe I knew I was communicating with someone who loved life fully, and lived it to the hilt. He was interested in just about everything, and excited about just being alive on this Earth. Perhaps my most profound and deep-rooted memory of my time in Iowa City, is being in Joe's Life Drawing class in the old "attic" life drawing studios, on a gray winter afternoon..... Joe doing his thing, Deb Wharton on the model stand, and Miles Davis on the record player. I miss you Joe. Thanks for everything old friend.
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