Ralph J. Patterson

Ralph J. Patterson, Jr., 82 of Rockford passed away May 2, 2008 in Provena St. Anne Center. Born September 18, 1925 in Winnebago, the son of Ralph Sr. and Helen (Shelden) Patterson. Ralph married Sara Jo Johnson in Rockford on May 17, 1952. He was a 1943 graduate of Winnebago High School and a 1950 graduate of Northwestern University. Ralph served in the United States Army 86th Blackhawk Infantry Division during WWII. He was a member of the Second Congregational United Church of Christ where he served as a Stephen Minister, and a Winnebago Masonic Lodge No.745 AF & AM. He retired in 1988 from Bergstrom Manufacturing Co. where he was employed as a purchasing manager.   Survivors include his wife Sara, brother-in-law and sister-in-law John C. and Patricia Johnson, four nephews Matthew, Danny, Johnny, Timmy and one niece Natalie. Special family Steve and Debbie Carlson, and family Brad Stenwall and Jim and Jill Strey. Ralph was predeceased by his parents. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Provena St Anne Center for their kind and loving care.  Funeral Service will be Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., with the Rev. Matthew Emery of the Second Congregational United Church of Christ officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home. Interment to follow in Owen Center Cemetery. A memorial will be established in Ralphs name at a later date. To