Henry E. Patterson

Henry E. Patterson, age 79, of Whitefish, passed away Dec. 11, 2005, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

He was born Sept. 10, 1926, in Kalispell, the son of Carl W. and Elsie (Wachsmuth) Patterson.

He grew up in the Flathead Valley on the family farm on U.S. Highway 93, which is now the Majestic Valley Arena. He attended rural schools and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1944.

He was active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America while in high school. He delivered mail on the east shore of Flathead Lake for several years.

On Jan. 14, 1949, he was united in marriage to Carol Fredenberg in Kalispell. In August 1952, he began a career with the Great Northern and worked until his retirement in December 1988 with Burlington Northern.

He enjoyed fishing and spending time at their cabin on Ashley Lake. When his children were small, the family did a lot of camping. Henry was always there to lend a helping hand to a neighbor or friend. He was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Whitefish, as well as the men's Bible study.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert and Earl Patterson.

He is survived by his wife Carol Patterson, of Columbia Falls; daughters Wendy Howard and husband Darrell, of Whitefish, Linda Howard and husband Bob, of Kalispell, Nancy Turner and husband Mike, of Junction City, Kan., Meredith Beckedahl and husband Mark, of Shelby, and Karen Kade and husband Jay, of Parker, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; brother Walter Patterson, of Polson; sisters Agnes Gustafson, of Kalispell, Betty Van Alstine, of Whitefish, and Anna Jones, of Missoula; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Dec. 15, 2006, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, in Whitefish, with Pastor Marty Kaarre officiating. Urn burial will be private by the family.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, 201 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish MT 59937.