Tommy R. Patten, 86, of Morrison, IL, died Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Pleasant View Rehabilitation & Health Care in Morrison.
Tommy was born April 24, 1938, in Sterling, IL, to Lester J. and Alta (Kraft) Patten. He was educated in the Sterling grade schools and was a 1956 graduate of Sterling High School. Tommy served in the Army Reserves. On September 7, 1961, he married Janice E. Buikema in Morrison. She died on January 29, 2017. Tommy first worked as a hired hand at various farms, then became employed with the Whiteside County Farm Bureau as a Dairy Tester. Next, he worked for Volkmann Furniture before starting his career at General Electric Control Department, where he worked for 33 years, retiring in 1998. Following his retirement, he delivered the Whiteside News Sentinel newspaper to local businesses. Tommy was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed taking drives in the mornings. He loved to travel, but his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and friends, especially attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Survivors include his daughters, Julie (Mark) Allen of Cameron, MO and Lori Patten of Morrison; son, Lynn (Sue) Patten of Morrison; five grandchildren, Scott Allen, Stephanie (Lewis IV) Waterhouse, Anthoni Patten, Shawn (Michelle) Patten, and Ashlie (Cory) Lee; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Gerald Patten of Sterling and Warren (Eva Jane) Patten of Rock Falls, IL; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janice; sisters, Jessie Lindley, Clara Olson, and Mary Jane Chidester; brothers, Robert L. and Melvin Patten.
A Graveside Service will be held for Tommy at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL, officiated by Rev. Luke Schouten, Pastor of Emmanuel Church in Morrison.
There will be a Visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
A memorial to the Alzheimer’s Association has been established.