Richard George Patterson

Patterson, Richard G. Announcing with deep sorrow the loss of our kindhearted, empathetic Dad who was so generous in every way, including with his time and the way he and Mom put so much thought into the love and nurturing of our family. We miss the unconditional love that they shared with us. There are people who wouldn't be who they are today without the selfless dedication to teach them and imbue the kind of character that lives on in us. 97 years doesn't seem like nearly a long enough life for our dear sweet precious father, but he was weary from many age-related maladies, and God called him home to join our dear mother in heaven. Dad grew up in Cascade, Iowa. He graduated Purdue University with a master's in electrical engineering. He went on to be an aerospace engineer at Honeywell, where he met Mom. They were inseparable from their 1st date and married at the Basilica in 1953. They went on to have many happy years together and raised 2 daughters, Christa and Courtney (Cheryl Henley), who miss him and Mom deeply. He is also missed by brother-in-law, Herb Lundberg (Auntie Corky) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Despite being a busy inventor with a consuming job, contracting for companies such as NASA and Skunkworks, he always found time for us and the many people he helped as a volunteer at many organizations. He was a quiet genius with a tender heart and a dry sense of humor. He was known for how he went out of his way to help whomever he could with any projects. He now joins in heaven his beloved wife, Jeanne; sister, Jane Ann (Ralph Rogers); father, George, mother, Mary Anna (Heffernan); and cousins, Jack and Don Heffernan. Mass of Christian Burial will be at the Basilica of St. Mary on Tuesday September 16, 2025, at 12:00pm (visitation at 11am). In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Basilica of Saint Mary, or Vocal Essence. Interment Lakewood Cemetery.