George Rino Patten

George Rino Patten, 68 passed away on November 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 16, 1957, in Lapeer to Kenneth and Anna (Bucco-Wildfong) Patten. George graduated from Lapeer High School, class of 1975. He met the love of his life, Peggy Jickling in 1976 and they married in 1979.
George worked for General Motors, retiring after 30 years in 2006. George's family was very important to him and time away from work was spent vacationing with his family. The family enjoyed many summers on Mackinaw Island as well as trips to Disney World, Cedar Point and the lake. He enjoyed watching his sons play sports, football, soccer and baseball which he helped coach. Later he attended games for his grandchildren.
George was a Tigers fan and had a chance to attend spring training and get a signature from Al Kaline, one of his all-time favorite Tiger players. He was also a Michigan State fan.
George was also a "car guy "ever since he could drive. He used to drag race at the Lapeer drag strip, winning many trophies and a few blown transmissions. George and his wife Peggy participated in almost all of the Back to the Bricks Promo Tours, driving either his 1979 Corvette or the 1996 Impala Peggy had bought for him. They were regulars at the Lapeer car shows on Monday nights, chilling with friends and enjoying the cars. George had a project car, a 1979 Camaro Z28 which he had been working on over the years, most recently with his sons. When he became ill a good friend agreed to complete the restoration and the finished car returned to a welcome home celebration November 1st, 2025.
George enjoyed cooking and loved to try out new recipes in addition to the family favorites. There was always plenty of good food and delicious deserts at the Patten house. He was well known for his Italian dishes, especially cannoli and his infamous holiday goodies Christmas "crack" caramel corn and peanut brittle.
George was also a music lover, especially music of the Woodstock era. He and Peg actually had the opportunity to meet the couple on the cover of the Woodstock album on one of the many 60's and 70's music themed cruises they have taken. They had a great time being "hippies" for a week or two while listening to some of the great artists of that era.
George was no stranger to medical challenges. In 2020 he experienced kidney failure and was on dialysis for a little over a year before receiving a kidney transplant in 2021. The transplant was made possible by his son Eric, donating a kidney through the University of Michigan pairing program on behalf of his Dad.
George attended Calvary Bible Church in Lapeer. He shared that he came to know the Lord when attending church services when playing church baseball. He and Peggy taught Sunday School and worked in the Awana program together.
George is survived by his wife, Peggy, sons Eric (Melissa) Patten, Alex and Anthony (Sasha) Patten. His father Kenneth Patten, siblings: Reda (Albert) Judd, Greg Patten, Tina (Christopher) Picknally, Kendra (David) Bickman, Steve Wildfong. Grandchildren: Sean Patten, Lillian Patten, Abby Patten, Anna Joan Patten, Sloan Patten, Meadow Patten and Audriyia (Jordan) Bucy.
He was preceded in death by his mother Anna Wildfong, Stepfather Robert Wildfong, sister Dawn Wildfong and sister Laura Groth.
Friends may visit on Wednesday, November 5, from 4-8 p.m. at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors – Capstick Chapel in Lapeer. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 6, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Bible Church, 923 Main St. Lapeer, MI 48446. Chaplain Todd Gillert and Pastor Jeremy Lazell will co-officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gift of Life – Michigan or the American Cancer Society.