Robert Cloyd Patterson

Robert Cloyd Patterson, 84, born August 15, 1934, died December 31, 2018. He was the son of Leroy Patterson and Lila Hedlund. Robert was a lifelong resident of Rockford. He attended Northwestern Military & Naval Academy, Lake Geneva, WI; he graduated in May of 1954 as 2nd Lieutenant and received one of the school’s highest awards of Most Improved Citizenship. He was a Letterman in four sports. Robert also served in U.S. Army, Green Beret from 1955-1958. He served with 583 field artillery in Japan-Korea then honorable discharged. He then went to work for Sundstrand Aviation Machine Tool Company for thirty-four years as an engineering budget analyst, estimator, proposals, and facilitator.
Robert was a member of Woodside Congregational U.C.C. from 1982 until his passing, and was on the church council for thirty-three years, the financial secretary for thirty years, and also taught Sunday School, confirmation, and member of the choir and trustees. He was also an avid bowler, certified bowling instructor, and enjoyed coaching others.
He is survived by “adopted” daughter Venita (John), many nieces and nephews, and his church family.
Robert was preceded by his parents, sisters Barbra (Alan) Deschaine and Joanne (Ray) Steward, and brother Stewart R. Hedlund.
Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, January 10th at Woodside Congregational U.C.C., 2324 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, IL. 61108. Followed by a time for fellowship at the church. Inurnment at Genoa Township Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Woodside Congregational U.C.C. Arrangements made by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com