Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 Fifth Ave. N.W., Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign his online guestbook at schriversmemorial.com.
Robert died suddenly on Nov. 14, 2012, at Marshall County Healthcare Center Avera in Britton.
Robert Francis Patten was born to Francis and Gail (Weishaar) Patten on July 20,1942, in Aberdeen. This is the area where he was raised and attended school, graduating from Aberdeen Central High School. Robert was employed at the American News in Aberdeen for 20 years and later at Steven Lust Chevrolet for 24 years. He had been retired since 2004.
Robert was a U.S. Army reservist, lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, devoted outdoorsman, skilled golfer, music lover, enthusiastic photographer and avid traveler. He specifically loved traveling to the Black Hills, camping with his niece, vacationing with his family in Michigan and his girlfriend in Washington. Over the years, he enjoyed motorcycling, camping, fishing, hunting and loved his Minnesota Vikings - a diehard dedication he shared with his older brother, James and great nephew, Anthony. Rob held a special place in his heart for the elderly and volunteered a great deal of his time helping others in a local assisted living facility. He was a fixture in Aberdeen his entire life and was always eager to share a beer and good conversation with most anyone he encountered. We will all miss his humor, conversation, gentle nature and devotion to those he loved and cared for.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Gail Patten, Aberdeen; and his brother, James Patten, Grand Ledge, Mich.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Beverly Patten; nephew, Robert Patten and his wife, Kelly, and their four children: Anthony, Elliott, Amelia, Jameson and his niece, Dana Patten, all residing in Grand Ledge, Mich. He is also survived by his loving and longstanding girlfriend, Sandi Rowe, of Kennewick, Wash., along with countless friends and extended family from Aberdeen.
Memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Robert's name.