Joseph Francis Pater

Pater, Joseph Francis
Our dad, grandpa and chocolate lover, Joe Pater, passed away July 4, 2014 after a brief battle with cancer. Dad was born in Petoskey, Michigan to Stanley and Mary Pater on October 5, 1931. After graduating high school, he served with the military police in the Air Force. He married and moved with his former wife, Lois Anetzberger and their young family to Arizona in 1961. He then went to work for AirResearch, now known as Honeywell, for thirty years. After retiring, dad enjoyed a good game of golf. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Dad was a quiet man who wasn't one to engage much in lengthy conversation. Instead, he greatly enjoyed his paperback books and never went too many places without one of his books in hand. Joe Pater is survived by his son Mark (Susan) and daughters, Christy Pater Schmitt (Art) and Mary Sue O'Brien (Robert), brother, John and sister, Lucy Foster (Carl). In addition, he is survived by his beloved grandchildren Sydney O'Brien Rawleigh (Craig) and Analiesa and Josef Schmitt along with numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Walter and Edward and sisters, Stella, Helen and Elizabeth. Dad's earthly journey ended quietly and peacefully. A private family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate his life. We, his children, are grateful in knowing our last words to him were "We love you, Dad". So we all rejoice in knowing that he is now with the Lord and we will all be together again some day. Donations in Joe Pater's name can be made to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, 2049 Airport Way, Boise, ID. 83705 or Phoenix Rescue Mission, P. O. Box 6708, Phoenix, Arizona 85005.