Obituaries
Robert T. Patterson
September 21, 1936 - June 6, 2019


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VISITATION
June 10, 2019 | 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday - Yurs Funeral Home 1771 West State Street (Rte 38) Geneva
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Burial Location
Private
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Robert Patterson
9.21.1936
Robert “Bob” Thomas Patterson, age 82 years, has passed into eternal peace on June 6th, 2019 from complications due to kidney disease. He died at his home in Elburn IL surrounded by his devoted wife, children, and grandchildren.
Bob was born in St. Louis MO on 9.21.1936 to Robert and Lucy Patterson. He also has extensive family roots in Frankfort Michigan where he spent every summer of his life. He met his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Marlene Ann Gorz, at their alma mater, Washington University in St. Louis MO where they graduated from art school in 1959. They were married at St. Petronille’s Catholic Church in Glen Ellyn in 1961.
Bob enjoyed a 40 plus year career as a graphic art designer, with over 25 years of service at Marcoa Ad Agency in Chicago IL before starting his own graphic design business. However, his true artistic passion in life was for painting landscapes in watercolor which he did daily. His artwork was displayed at the Norris Art Center as well as in exhibitions celebrating local artists. Bob was also a talented chain saw carving artist who for several years was featured at the annual Ground Hog Day festival in Woodstock IL. Some of his totem pole carvings can still be seen in the local area.
Bob was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease as a young man in his twenties. He eventually required dialysis for 7 years before receiving a kidney transplant in 1982 at the University of Wisconsin. He remained one of the longest surviving kidney transplant recipients –32 years—before once again requiring dialysis for the last 5 years of his life. While Bob managed chronic kidney disease the majority of his life, he never complained about his ailments, missed a day of work, or allowed them to interfere with the activities he enjoyed.
Bob embraced life to the fullest and pursued a variety of hobbies including stained glass window design, hiking, bird watching, biking, kayaking, bow and arrow hunting, swimming, scuba diving and walking the shores of Lake Michigan. He was an active member of his Catholic church community even serving in a ministry serving juvenile outreach programs. He served as a school bus driver for St. Charles School District in his retirement years. And as an avid history buff and reader, Bob also enjoyed participating in French and Indian War Reenactments. However, Bob was truly happiest when immersed in the beauty of nature of his beloved Crystal Lake Michigan. His most treasured moments were spent on this idyllic lake—sitting in the shade of the birch trees looking out over the water for hours on end—often enjoying a hot dog and beer with his family.
Bob is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Marlene, as well as his 4 children; Kim (Steve) Quick of Glen Ellyn; Russ (Victoria) Patterson of Tampa Florida; Kelly (Dan) Gallagher of Maple Park; and Krista (Brian) Ray of Denver Colorado. He was the proud grandfather to Nate, Jake, Reese, Angelina, and Brody—all of whom he adored. He is also survived by his older brother John (Chris) of Frankfort Michigan.
Bob will be remembered by all who knew and loved him for his perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity. However, his family will hold most dear the memory of his brilliant mind, sharp wit and wonderful sense of humor as well as his trademark laugh.
While Bob did not serve in the military, his family finds it fitting that he died on the 75th anniversary of D-Day given his warrior spirit and 60-year battle with kidney disease. His battle is finally over and he can now enjoy the victory of eternal peace and rest. In lieu of flowers or gifts, a memorial fund is established in his name with the National Kidney Foundation: https://team.kidney.org/campaign/Robert-T-Patterson-Memorial-Fund
Funeral arrangements will be hosted by Yurs Funeral Home 1771 West State Street (Rte 38) Geneva IL. The wake will be held Monday June 10th from 5-8PM for friends and family at the funeral homes.. There is a private funeral service at St. Gall’s Catholic Church in Elburn on Tuesday June 11th.
Condolences
Wulf and Georgia Petersen from Elburn, IL
"So grateful we had the privilege of knowing Bob and enjoying his beautiful artwork that hangs in our family room. Marlene we are at your service whenever you need anything. Love and prayers to all of the Patterson family."