William E. Patterson

William Elmer Patterson, 87, of Rockford Passed away Friday, April 7, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born April 25, 1929 in Moline, Il; the son of William Patterson and Pauline (Cleer) Patterson. William was the eldest of two children, his younger sibling being Judith Ann Patterson (Baker). William grew up in various towns throughout Illinois and Pennsylvania. He met his wife, Marjorie Anne Patterson at Lil's Grill while employed as a Yellow Taxi cab driver. In the 1950's. He Married Marjorie on March 9, 1956. William and Marjorie had two daughters, Deborah Lynn and Sharon Louise Patterson. William eventually became a machine operator at Robert H. Brooks, then was employed at Ekstrom Carlson in Rockford, Il. In 1968 he became an electrician at Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere, Il where he worked for 39 1/2 years, retiring in 2007 at the age of 78. William was well known by all at Chrysler, and regarded as a "go to" man for fixing problems. He was an avid stock car fan and travelled to short tracks all over midwest and Wisconsin with his daughter Sharon. He was a huge fan, proponent and supporter of women's athletics. William was a loyal fan at girls basketball games and softball games from the mid 1980's up until early 2000's well after his daughters had graduated. William always made sure his family had any and everything they needed. He created many wonderful memories taking his family on wonderful vacations all over the U.S. such as Yellowstone Park, Glacier Nat'l Park, Mt. Rushmore, Grand Tetons, Cape Canaveral, Badlands, Smoky Mountains, Disneyland and more. He was a very generous, tough spirited, kind hearted man who fought and battled through a variety of illnesses over the last 10 years. William's grandchildren Breanna and Ryan were the light of his life. William also loved his wife's dog Fergie and Fergie adored him as well. Predeceased by his parents, William J. Patterson and Pauline (Cleer) Patterson. He is survived by his sister Judith (Larry) Baker, his daughters Deborah Patterson and Sharon Patterson, 2 grandchildren Ryan and Breanna Schroeder, nephew Brian, nieces Diane, Kathy and Laura and a number of great nephews and nieces. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the loving and compassionate caregivers at Heartland Hospice, Cherryvale Place and Wesley Willows.
Memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2017 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Graveside service to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.