Obituary for Richard Alvin Patten
Richard “Dick” A. Patten- “Papa”- joined his wife, Amelia, on September 9, 2019 at the age of 83. He was a loving husband, father, and Papa. Richard was born on November 12, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. Despite this, he was a true Packer fan known to taunt Bear fans by reminding them that indeed, “the Bears still suck”. He had two older sisters, Dolores and Dorothy that he loved very much. He enjoyed visiting them and other family and friends within driving distance. He often reminisced about his childhood memories of life on his grandfather’s farm. Richard proudly served his country in the Army. He was a hardworking long-time employee of the South Milwaukee plant Kyle, which later became Cooper Industries and Eaton. He made many life-long friends at his job and his love of jokes and pranks earned him the moniker “Tricky Dicky”.
On November 25, 1964 he married Amelia. The two met in an apartment complex wide balloon fight-love at first splash. They raised three children-Jeanne, Susan, and Gary. Richard was given the esteemed title of Papa by his grandchildren Cheri (Thomas), Jason, and Brittany (Jai).
Dick was passionate about reading and learning. He could give you names of movies, the year they were made, awards, and the actors and actresses from yesteryear the way the average person recites the alphabet. He would often consult his almanac to show you indeed, he remembered correctly and “wasn’t just another pretty face”. He enjoyed his garden, squirrels, and birds- making sure they were never without food or water year-round. He loved classic cars and talking about all the different cars he had in his lifetime, making many envious of the classics that he had driven once upon a time.
Richard was a charitable man supporting many causes through the years. He was particularly fond of supporting veterans, disabled hunters and sports people, as well as environmental and educational causes. He was known for patiently sipping his tea or coffee while doing the cross-word puzzle and often carrying it around with him for that day. He was a fan of the old cartoons and comics, often clipping out cartoons that reminded him of family or friends-placing it on the refrigerator for all to see or giving them to you. He absolutely loved to laugh and importantly make others laugh with his quick wit, silly smile, and his kind manner. He may have missed his call as a one-line comedian here, but there is no doubt he’s making the angels laugh now.
Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife Amelia, his son Gary, and many faithful four-legged companions. He is survived by his daughters Jeanne and Susan; his three grandchildren-Cheri (Thomas), Jason, and Brittany (Jai); as well as his two older sisters Dolores and Dorothy. He is dearly missed by his great-grand fur children and special companions Mister Gray and Bella. He is also missed by many relatives and friends around the world who knew him as Papa too.
Visitation from 9:30-11:30 and service at 11:30 will be held at Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home in South Milwaukee, followed by a burial at Forest Hill Memorial Park in Oak Creek.
In the days preceding his death, Papa said- “Always look for the good in people and be kind. You never know what their struggles are”. Listen to Papa-Be kind, “it’s good for you. It’ll put hair on your chest”
On November 25, 1964 he married Amelia. The two met in an apartment complex wide balloon fight-love at first splash. They raised three children-Jeanne, Susan, and Gary. Richard was given the esteemed title of Papa by his grandchildren Cheri (Thomas), Jason, and Brittany (Jai).
Dick was passionate about reading and learning. He could give you names of movies, the year they were made, awards, and the actors and actresses from yesteryear the way the average person recites the alphabet. He would often consult his almanac to show you indeed, he remembered correctly and “wasn’t just another pretty face”. He enjoyed his garden, squirrels, and birds- making sure they were never without food or water year-round. He loved classic cars and talking about all the different cars he had in his lifetime, making many envious of the classics that he had driven once upon a time.
Richard was a charitable man supporting many causes through the years. He was particularly fond of supporting veterans, disabled hunters and sports people, as well as environmental and educational causes. He was known for patiently sipping his tea or coffee while doing the cross-word puzzle and often carrying it around with him for that day. He was a fan of the old cartoons and comics, often clipping out cartoons that reminded him of family or friends-placing it on the refrigerator for all to see or giving them to you. He absolutely loved to laugh and importantly make others laugh with his quick wit, silly smile, and his kind manner. He may have missed his call as a one-line comedian here, but there is no doubt he’s making the angels laugh now.
Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife Amelia, his son Gary, and many faithful four-legged companions. He is survived by his daughters Jeanne and Susan; his three grandchildren-Cheri (Thomas), Jason, and Brittany (Jai); as well as his two older sisters Dolores and Dorothy. He is dearly missed by his great-grand fur children and special companions Mister Gray and Bella. He is also missed by many relatives and friends around the world who knew him as Papa too.
Visitation from 9:30-11:30 and service at 11:30 will be held at Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home in South Milwaukee, followed by a burial at Forest Hill Memorial Park in Oak Creek.
In the days preceding his death, Papa said- “Always look for the good in people and be kind. You never know what their struggles are”. Listen to Papa-Be kind, “it’s good for you. It’ll put hair on your chest”