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Charles Patera Obituary
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Charles Joseph Patera was born on February 12, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois to Archie and Mary (Polivka). He passed away at home surrounded by his beloved family October 30, 2022.
After graduating from Morton Junior College, Chuck and a friend watched the movie Flying Leathernecks. After being so inspired by the movie, they both enlisted the next day, October 8, 1952, into the United States Marine Corps. On May 1, 1953 while on furlough, he proposed to his future bride, Arlene Ruth Frank. They married on March 20, 1953.
After starting his teaching career at Central High School in Burlington, Illinois, in 1962, Chuck and his family moved to Arvada, Colorado. There he began a 30 year career teaching world history at Arvada High School.
Along the way he developed a passion of white water rafting. His summers were filled with getting ready for rafting trips, going on rafting adventures and unpacking from his rafting trips. Another summer activity he loved was attending Denver Bears baseball games with his son.
Chuck and Arlene were married until her passing on November 21, 2000. Also preceding him in death were his sisters Helen and Dorothy. He is survived by his son Ron(Regina) of Elizabeth, CO, his grandson Chris(Sunny) of Denver, CO, and two great grandchildren Christina and Charles. He is also survived by hundreds of beloved former students and close friends, including Diana, Ed, Dennis, Sheila, Dominic and Briana.
Semper Fidelis
Services For Mr. Patera are as follows:
November 14th 2022 at 11 AM Arvada Covenant Church located at 5555 Ward Rd, Arvada, CO 80002.
Interment will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery following the services at Arvada Covenant Church at 2 O'clock PM
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Patera, please visit Tribute Store
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Ruth Reinbold Cain
May 4, 2025
"Sarge" was one of our best teachers at Central high school. We had several favorites who helped us grow into adulthood. Our mentors were also older friends, some brand new to teaching after getting credentials at Northern Illinois University. Our school district was a new concept of Consolidating small community schools into one that could support a good teaching staff.
Charles Patera was fondly remembered by our classmates at our Reunion of the Class of 1961 in 2011, which he last attended.
Ruth (Reinbold ) Cain
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Fran
November 16, 2022
My Uncle Chuck was my favorite Uncle. He protected me and loved me and I will miss him dearly. I wish I would have known more about him and written down! I need to keep in touch with my cousin. I wish for my Uncle 's son and family to be comforted.
Todd Boyle
November 5, 2022
Our deepest condolences to Ron & family, as well as Chuck´s extended family and friends. May beautiful memories of Chuck flood your hearts & minds and carry you through as you process losing such an incredible man. We´re praying for you all!
Our time together serving on a missions trip in Honduras through ACC prior to moving here was a blessed one. And the friendship that ensued afterward is one we will cherish forever. We´ll miss connecting and sharing a meal when we´re in Colorado, but look forward to an eternity together with our beloved Savior Jesus Christ!
Todd, Wendy & family
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