WILLARD L. PATTERSON

A service honoring Willard’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 20, at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in North Lawn Cemetery. Visitation is 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Attendees of the service are encouraged to bring their antique automobiles to the service for the special procession to Willard’s place of final rest.

Willard is survived by his brother Bernie (Bonnie) Patterson, Tennessee; his nieces, nephews, his many friends and his faithful companion, Tinker. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Willard Lee Patterson, the son of Francis and Esther (Hanson) Patterson, was born October 3, 1943, in Fort Dodge. He attended Fort Dodge schools. As a teenager, Willard was employed at Gilpin’s Gas Station. His love for cars carried on throughout his life. He had a passion for antique cars and could identify them easily. Willard enjoyed attending antique car shows with his friends. His 1938 Chevy was his pride and joy, having built the car from scratch. He was also known for his woodworking abilities and was able to make anything from wood. Willard was the true definition of a ‘jack of all trades’ and was well known for his ability to fix anything placed in front of him. He also loved animals from riding horses as a youth to spending time with his beloved dog, Tinker.

Willard will be greatly missed by those close friends he considered family. He was always grateful for those who considered him a part of their family.