Leland D. "Lee" Paterson

Leland D. “Lee” Paterson, 78, of Dakota City, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital.

Leland was born October 25, 1946 in Fort Dodge, the son of William and Mary (Bockoven) Paterson. He was raised and educated in Fort Dodge, graduating from Fort Dodge High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1967 until his discharge in 1976. He was united in marriage to Joan Shekey on May 8, 1973. The couple lived on Scott Air Force Base and Lee served in Korea. Following his discharge, the couple returned to Dakota City. In 1980 he enlisted with the National Guard and served until his retirement in 1996. Lee was a welder for Chantland Manufacturing for thirteen years and held various other jobs in the local area. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the American Legion, where he served as Commander. He took pride in maintaining his yard, and would always lend a helping hand to the projects of the kids and grandkids. He also enjoyed puzzles, solitaire, cribbage, John Wayne western movies and feeding the birds and squirrels.

Leland is survived by his wife Joan of Dakota City, his children; Tony Paterson of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Michael Paterson of Portland Oregon, Marti (Steve) Hawkins of Blackfoot, Idaho, Lenny (Tiffany) Paterson of Paton, Iowa, Jason (Andrea) Paterson of Humboldt and Lisa (Ali) Kazmi of Romeoville, Illinois, 16 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, his brother Donald (Lisa) Paterson of Washington and his sister Donna Bowling of Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters; Ruth Tomlinson, Lavina Porter and Arlene Christianson and two brothers, John and Dennis Paterson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1st at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Humboldt, followed by military rites by the Sathers-Odgaard VFW & American Legion. Luncheon served immediately afterwards. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31st at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service in Humboldt, where there will be a parish rosary at 4:45 p.m. and a 7:00 p.m. parish wake service. Burial will take place later at St. Mary Cemetery. www.masonlindhart.com