In Memory of Robert Patterson



Robert Patterson
Robert Patterson
Born: September 17, 1922
Died: December 27, 2024
Age: 102
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Robert Patterson
September 17, 1922 - December 27, 2024

Robert M. “Bob” Patterson, age 102, of Battle Creek and Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2025, with a Visitation held one-hour prior from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Rev. Dr. Jim Edwards will officiate.

Committal Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in the Fremont Cemetery of Osceola, Iowa. Military Rites will be conducted by the Iowa Military Honor Guard.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Battle Creek and Ida Grove, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Robert M. “Bob” Patterson, the son of Thomas and Blanche (Lowe) Patterson, was born on September 17, 1922, on the family farm in Osceola, Clarke Co., Iowa.

Robert was a teacher at the Mud Sock School in rural Clarke County for two years before being drafted into the United States Army in February of 1943. On May 23, 1944, he graduated from flight school in Pecos, Texas. Robert left for overseas active duty in November of 1944. He proudly served his country in the 4th Combat Cargo Group; 14th Combat Cargo Squadron of the Army Air Forces. Robert flew a plane similar to the B 29, a Curtiss C-46 cargo plane carrying octane gasoline for the Flying Tigers. He piloted numerous trips over the hump, which was a dangerous route over the eastern Himalaya Mountains. Robert returned to the US in November of 1945. He was honorably discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant on January 1, 1946.

After being discharged from the Army, Robert became interested in the funeral service industry after he stayed and worked at the Erin Kroll Funeral Home of Storm Lake, Iowa, while he attended Buena Vista College. This interest led him to further his education in mortuary science and he graduated from Cincinnati College of Embalming in 1950. Robert returned to Stuart, Iowa, where he served his apprenticeship under the Glenn Bufkin Funeral Home.

While Robert was employed at Bufkin Funeral Home in Stuart, he met the love of his life Norma Shaw.  The couple became engaged and were united in marriage on June 16, 1952, in Storm Lake, Iowa. Shortly thereafter Robert became employed as a licensed mortician with Christensen Funeral Homes of Battle Creek and Ida Grove, Iowa, and the couple made their first home in Battle Creek, Iowa.  At the time Christensen’s also operated an on-call ambulance service, the couple often made numerous late-night trips crisscrossing the state together. They purchased the funeral homes in 1972, and eventually moved their residence to Ida Grove in 1976.

Robert and Norma retired from the funeral business in 1988, and built a beautiful new retirement home in Ida Grove. They traveled significantly, often with friends, taking many enjoyable trips to places they had only dreamt about during their busy working years.  

A devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Robert served as an Elder and on the board of Trustees. He was active in Bible study and enjoyed taking tickets at the annual First Presbyterian Harvest Turkey Dinner. In their younger years, Robert and Norma also served as youth group leaders.

Robert was an 80-year Mason. He was Initiated, Passed, and Raised in June of 1944 at Osceola Lodge #77 A.F. & A.M. of Osceola, Iowa. Robert was also a member of Perseverance Lodge #446 A.F. & A.M. of Battle Creek, Iowa, which merged and is now Alpine Lodge #471 A.F. & A.M. of Holstein, Iowa.

In his later years, Robert enjoyed playing cribbage and good conversation over coffee with friends.

Survivors include many nieces, nephews, their families, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Norma Patterson; parents Thomas and Blanche Patterson; and brother Lester (Connie) Patterson.

SERVICES

2:00 p.m., Friday January 3, 2025
First Presbyterian Church
Battle Creek, Iowa

Link to Facebook Live of Funeral: 
First Presbyterian Church FB page - Battle Creek
Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home FB page

OFFICIATING

Rev. Dr. Jim Edwards

CASKET BEARERS

Tom Patterson
Brent Patterson
Brandon Patterson
Matthew Denney 
Henry Jessen
Randy Bean

Honorary Pallbearers 
Scott Bumann
Duane Druivenga
Walter Huebner
Dennis Huebner

VISITATION

One Hour Prior To Service
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday, January 3, 2025
First Presbyterian Church
Battle Creek, Iowa

MUSIC

"Amazing Grace"
"Just As I Am"

INTERMENT

Fremont Cemetery
Osceola, Iowa


Condolences


Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11:04 AM
“Such a gracious soul. I'm honored to have known Bob and Norma from the beginning our time in Battle Creek. They were always there in the pew where we sat and in the communities. So thankful to have had them in our lives.
Connie Rogge McCrary
- Connie Rogge McCrary
Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11:04 AM
“My sympathy and condolences to all Bob's family. Bob and Norma were extraordinary friends of my parents over the years. I always enjoyed talking to--and learning from--Bob, as we had the common bond of both being "airlifters" in the military. Bob would share his experiences flying "the Hump" in a C-46 in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II--a true American hero for putting his life on the line doing that dangerous work. I was honored to be an escort for him in 2023 when he came to Washington D.C. for his "Honor Flight" tour of the war memorials with the other 'vets' from Iowa. He was one of only two World War II vets to be able to make that trip. We'll all miss him a lot.”
- Chris Krisinger
Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 11:07 AM
“I first met Bob and Norma when I was her hospice nurse. They were both very special and dear to my heart, and we developed a special friendship. After Norma passed away, Bob and I continued to stay in touch and he would occasionally meet me at Zimmy's for a pancake. I visited him this fall, and he proudly told me about his Honor Flight trip. I will always remember him and Norma fondly. He was a great man. ”
- Kim Mason
Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 11:07 AM
“Bob was a tough cookie to crack, I used to cook for him at Golden Horizons and for the longest time he would not eat my cooking, then I sat down with him one day and introduced myself and it was all good from then on. I used to get accused of spoiling Bob, and I'm glad I did it. He was an awesome guy, I loved listening to his stories about being in the service. Even after I quit working there, I would still drop him some groceries I knew he was getting from GH. Great hit RIP sir you deserve, God be with your family”
- Kevin Thompson
Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 11:07 AM
“My condolenses to the Pattetson & Shaw family members. Uncle Bob will be missed. He was humble, kind, & respectful man of integrety and husband to my Aunt Norma. Truly part of the Greatest Generation served his Country in WW2 Flying dangerous mission to supply soldiers in Burma & China.He gave to his Church & community. He always made a room brighter with a smile. I am proud & honored to have had him as my Uncle. He will be missed by many! ”
- William Shaw
Monday, December 30, 2024 at 3:23 PM
“Bob was a very good friend of Doc Leo Samson and mind. I would take doc to willow Dale and listen to the greatest stories of the AirForce, Arm and Nancy. They would play tricks on each other and tel stories after stories. Doc hasn’t been doing real well either so we were not able to go see Bob recently. We will both miss him very very much. Such a character but gentle man. Thank you Tom for letting me know. Love snd miss you Bob. Judy and Doc”
- Judy Pluth and Leo ssmson
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