Patrick LETTENMAIER

December 23, 1923 - September 4, 2025

Spokane - Patrick Sterling Lettenmaier died peacefully in Spokane, Washington, on September 4, 2025, at the age of 101. Born in Spokane on December 23, 1923, Patrick was raised on the family farm by his mother, Marthe A., and stepfather, Henry G. Lettenmaier. He was one of the last in his generation, growing up in a house with no running water or electricity during the Depression. It was an era when people trusted the government and held strong beliefs about the roles of women and men.

Captivated by airplanes from a young age, Patrick trained as an airplane mechanic, earned an engineering degree, and spent his career designing aircraft. His journey began as a child building model airplanes and dreaming of becoming a pilot. When he was 17, he learned his eyesight was too poor to become a pilot, so he enrolled at Gonzaga University to study engineering. To support himself, he trained as an airplane mechanic and repaired planes at the Spokane Air Depot at Geiger Field. His studies were interrupted by the war. Patrick enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he served as an airplane mechanic from 1942 to 1946. Soon after leaving the service, Patrick returned to Gonzaga and completed his mechanical engineering degree in 1949. That same year, he was offered a position designing aircraft for Boeing in Seattle, where he worked for 33 years on various design projects, including the B-52 bomber, the 707 and 727 jetliners, the Lunar Orbiter, and the Mariner 10 spacecraft.

Patrick truly was the heart of the Lettenmaier family, encouraging honesty, independence, staying active, and embracing simple living. He believed in the saying, "a penny saved is a penny earned," living modestly and "saving for a rainy day." Patrick took pride in doing things himself and admired others who did the same. He built two family homes and a Thunderbird-class sailboat, repaired his own cars, and taught these skills to his sons. He preferred to handle things himself rather than rely on others. For ten years, he provided home care for his wife as she faced dementia. He loved spending time outdoors and led an active life skiing, sailing, backpacking, fishing, gardening, and traveling.

Patrick made a lasting mark on people close to him. He was straightforward, upholding traditional viewpoints and standing by his decisions. His dedication, intelligence, dependability, and confidence were truly impressive. People will remember him for his deep loyalty and love for his mother, wife, family, and country.

Patrick leaves behind his children, Dennis Lettenmaier, Cheryl Lettenmaier, Rae Anne Roberts, and Terry Lettenmaier; along with his grandchildren, Ryan Roberts, Kelly Berghammer, Kairi Roberts, and Nicole Lettenmaier-Scott; and his great-grandchildren, Cordelia Parker, Ava Berghammer, Ashton Berghammer, Aiden Berghammer, Archer Berghammer, and Gracie Roberts. His wife of 73 years, Bernice A. Lettenmaier, passed away before him, leaving behind fond memories.