David Patton

David G. Patton, 86, of Fond du Lac, passed away Friday, December 15, 2023 at his residence in The Meadows with family by his side.

David was born May 26, 1937 in Berlin, WI the son of Guy and Marion Holland Patton. David attended Berlin schools and graduated from Berlin High School in 1955. Having played football for the Berlin Indians, he and his teammates were conference champions in 1953 and 1954. He excelled as a place kicker of extra points and field goals and took on the name “The Toe.” He was a member of Berlin High School’s football hall of fame. Dave attended Lawrence College where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1959. On November 6, 1959 he married Lois Kotenbeutel. The couple resided in Merrill, WI where David taught music for two years. In 1969 David received a master’s degree from UW-Oshkosh. In 1962 he and Lois moved to Waupun and David served as the band director at Waupun Middle School from 1962-1995 from which he retired. David and Lois served on the Board of Directors for Diverse Options for several years in Ripon. David also played with the Ron Harvey Orchestra on weekends for many years. He and Lois spent many years golfing at Rock River Country Club with their daughter Torie, riding along on the golf cart.

David is survived by his son, Frederic “Rick” Patton and his special friend, Kris Bowe of Plymouth, WI; sister, Patsey Robertson and her husband, H.C. Skip of Shawano, WI; brother-in-law, Richard Kotenbeautel and his wife Claire of Madison, WI; nieces and nephews: Lorelei, Kris, Kristin, Keira, Timothy, and Matthew; and a very special friend, Jamie Judd.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Patton; daughter, Victoria “Torie” Patton; and daughter-in-law, Karen Patton.

A Celebration of Life for David Patton will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun with Pastor H.C. Skip Robertson officiating. Friends and relatives may call on the family at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Berlin.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Meadows, SSM Hospice, and very close friend, Shaune Marie for their wonderful care. 

The family requests that memorials be directed to Diverse Options of Ripon, Carbone Cancer Center at UW Health in Madison, or a charity of your choice.