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Sept 20, 1944 - Aug 7, 2026
Marty Patterson of Wayzata, MN took the hand of Jesus on Friday, Aug. 7th. Marty was a man of faith, known for his kindness, humility & humor.
He was born & raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa and was a 1962 graduate from Fort Dodge High School. He also graduated from the University of South Dakota.
Marty loved baseball. Beginning at age 10, he was an invaluable pitcher, pitching several no-hitters. He was scouted by the Phillies and was offered several college baseball scholarships. He continued to play after college in semi pro & senior leagues.
While attending Fort Dodge Community College, he met the love of his life, Laurann Kling. They were married in 1966 and together taught in the Fort Dodge Public Schools for 6 years.
In 1972, Marty accepted a job teaching math for Hennepin Tech College in MN. He held several administrative positions and retired in 2008 as the college president after a career of 36 years at HTC.
He was married 60 years to his college sweetheart and was a rock & hero to his two girls. He lived the values he taught them: kindness, empathy, respect, honesty, gratitude and love.
Marty's faith was reflected in the life he lived. He was a good listener & friend. He had an uncanny way of bringing optimism and a bit of humor to all who knew him.
Through 12 years of living with Parkinson's, he seldom complained and his faith helped him endure & live life one minute at a time. He said ~ “I find joy in each day, count it a homerun and give thanks to God.”
Celebration of Marty's life will be: Saturday, August 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2060 County Rd 6, Long Lake, MN 55356, 1pm visitation and 2 pm service.
Service will be streamed on Trinity Lutheran Church YouTube Channel. www.davidleefuneralhome.com