Robert Wayne Patten

After a life well-lived and full of love, Robert Wayne Patten of Cedar Falls peacefully passed on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Robert was born on September 23, 1936, in Iowa to Wayne and Dorothy (Flickinger) Patten. He graduated from East High School in 1955. He and Mary Jane, his wife, were childhood friends and high school sweethearts; they later married after high school on August 31, 1956.

Following high school, Robert proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1959. After his military service, he began a long and fulfilling career in carpentry and construction. He began his career at Jens Oelsen Construction in 1960 as a laborer, steadily advancing to the role of superintendent with over 32 years of dedicated service. Following this tenure, he joined Prairie Construction, where he spent 13 years as a Partner and Director of Operations. He retired at the age of 62. He took great pride in his work, always ensuring every project was done right. Building things wasn’t just a job, it was a passion.

Robert carried that passion into his personal life as well. He enjoyed building things for himself and his home. Robert also had an eye for turning scrap into recycling, which allowed him to meet a lot of people that he normally might not have met. He was a true “junker” at heart.

He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing, soaking up the sun, and the quiet moments by the water. He was a master of losing keys, wallets, and just about anything not nailed down. Above all, Robert was a loving and devoted husband, father, and friend. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer advice, or simply be there when needed. His warmth, generosity, and unwavering support made him a great dad and an even better man.

Robert is survived by his five children: Sherie (Mike)Taylor, Terri (Grant) Glidewell, Chuck (Mia) Patten, Jodi (Kurt) Wieck, and Scott (Tamara) Patten; his grandkids, Casey (Lindsay) Taylor, Courtney (Zech) Ward, Jennifer (Alex) Glidewell, Aaron ( Hillary) Glidewell, Brandon Patten, Morgan ( Joshua) Crawford, Paige (Travis) Hansen, Nicholas (Lauren) Patten, Danika (Brett) Patten Jessen, and Travis Patten; his brother Charles Patten; his sister Mary Shriver; fourteen great grand grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and family.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Dorothy Patten; his wife, Mary Jane Patten; and his sister, Zora Milne.

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 5, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Parrott and Wood Chapel of Memories, 965 Home Plaza Ste. 1, Waterloo, IA 50701. Services will be Friday, June 6, at 10:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 650 Stephan Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701.