Samuel Patterson

Samuel “Sam” Patterson, age 91 of Hazelhurst, WI passed away on May 25, 2024 at the Seasons of Life Hospice House after battling a brain bleed for over a year.

Sam was born August 4, 1932 and grew up in Lac du Flambeau, WI.  He married Dorothy Kaiser and the two of them eventually settled in Minocqua, WI where they raised their two children.  In later years, they sold the home on Katherine Lake and built one in Hazelhurst.  Sam remained there until his diagnosis.

Having spent four years in the army, Sam was a very driven man.  He taught his children to work hard and led by example.  Throughout his life, he had many different jobs but excelled with his mechanic skills.  The majority of his career was spent working as an auto mechanic, and he retired from Y & L Auto Clinic in Minocqua.  Retirement didn’t slow him down, however.  He assisted friends with work on their classic cars and did a complete restoration of his 1952 Ford truck….something he was very proud of.  He loved to show everyone at Seasons pictures of his pride and joy.

An avid fisherman and hunter, Sam took every opportunity he could to partake in his two favorite pastimes.  One of his favorite things to do was fish Lake Michigan on a charter boat……an adventure he shared with numerous friends.  Ice fishing ranked high on Sam’s list as well.  Many winters were spent catching perch and whitefish.   Because of their antics on the lake, he and his friend Bill were often referred to as the “Grumpy Old Men.”

Sam is survived by his son, Samuel (Jeannie) Patterson, his daughter, Cheryl (Todd) Kidd, granddaughters Kelsey Patterson and Ashley Kidd (fiancé Zach Valk), his brother, Thomas Patterson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, his parents William and Winnifred Patterson, siblings William Patterson, Winnifred Fox, Florence Witt, Barbara Patterson, Carol Jean Patterson, an infant brother, Henry and an infant granddaughter, Anna Kate.

Services will be held at the Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, May 31^st with a visitation at 4:30 and a memorial service at 5:30 with Military Honors.   In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that you consider a donation to the Seasons of Life Hospice House, the American Legion Post 89 in Minocqua or the Hazelhurst Fire Department.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Seasons of Life Hospice House for taking exceptional care of their dad.

“We hope you are catching the big one, Dad.”

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.