Claude Patterson

NIAGARA, Wis. - Claude C. "Pat" Patterson, 86, of Niagara, died Saturday, April 14, 2007, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital. He was born on June 7, 1920, in Mason City, Ill., the son of the late Christopher and Maude (Miller) Patterson. Pat graduated from Niagara High School in 1938. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1941, serving in the European Theater as a cook during World War II. He was discharged in 1945. He then went back to work at the Niagara Paper Mill for 44 years, retiring in 1985. When Pat returned from the war he took flying lessons and earned his pilot's license. He flew out of the Quinnesec airport. Flying was his passion. He was also a dedicated bowler, serving as the secretary-treasurer for his league for 32 years. In 1995, Pat was inducted into the Tri-City Bowling Hall of Fame. Pat married Evelyn Edict on Aug. 10, 1946, at the Union Protestant Church in Niagara. Pat and Evie built their home and cut pulp wood together. The couple also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling together. They loved spending time with their family and took their daughters and grandchildren on many camping trips. Pat was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered as a great storyteller, sharing many stories, especially war stories with his family and friends. His favorite saying was "Nothing is ever simple." He was also an avid bird watcher. Pat is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his daughter, Cheri (Roger) Hamilton of Iron Mountain; his son-in-law, Jerry (special friend, Donna Mansfield) Kuester of Niagara; four sisters-in-law, Doris Patterson of Pembine, Alice Welch of Phillips, Wis., Lillian (special friend, Bill Polomis) Leonard of Niagara, Wis., and Beth (Kenny) Goeden of Hot Springs Village, Ark; one brother-in-law, Ken Edict of Friendship, Wis.; four grandchildren, Angela (Nicholas) Gayan, Michael (Megan) Anderson, Dan (Heather) Kuester, and Steve (Sheila) Kuester, eight great-grandchildren, Kellen, Emma, Abigail, Liam, Preston, Gavin, Charles, and Brody and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Peggy Kuester and his brother, Herbert Patterson. A gathering of friends will be held on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Riverside United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the church. Rev. Pat Nolet will officiate. Burial will be in the Niagara Cemetery. Condolences to the family of Claude C. "Pat" Patterson can be expressed online at www.tondinfuneralhome.com. The Tondin-Ross and Freeman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.