Marty Patterson of Wayzata, MN took the hand of Jesus on Friday, Aug. 7th and they walked together into heaven where the gates opened wide to greet Marty home.

Marty was a godly man of faith, best known for his kindness, & his humility. He had a subtle sense of humor that came with quick wit, ~ those instant quips earned the name "Martyisms."

Marty was born & raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1962. Although he had a baseball scholarship to Iowa State, he chose Fort Dodge Community College for 2 years before earning a baseball scholarship and graduating from University of South Dakota.

Marty loved baseball. Beginning at age 10, he was an invaluable pitcher, pitching several no-hitters and a force to be reckoned with. He was scouted by the Phillies in High School. He continued to play in college and for 20 more years his baseball talents played out on the diamond from Little League, Town Ball, Senior League and Semi-Pro.

While attending Fort Dodge Community College, he met the love of his life, Laurann Kling. They were married in 1966 and together taught in the Fort Dodge Public Schools for 6 years. Marty had the perfect personality for teaching math to 7th & 8th graders and coaching 7 sports.

In 1972, Marty accepted a job writing math curriculum & teaching math for the newly established Hennepin Technical Center (now Hennepin Tech College) with campuses in Eden Prairie & Brooklyn Park, MN. He worked his way up into administration as Dean of Students and retired in 2008 as the Interim President after a career of 36 years with Hennepin Tech College.

Always a man of action, Marty learned carpentry skills while at HTC and built 4 houses for his family. He spent many hours helping others build decks, porches, additions, and complete home repair. He was known for his strong work ethic & integrity and he was always willing to lend a hand to help others succeed.

Marty loved outdoors, bike rides, taking long rides on country roads, long rides because some roads didn't always lead back home.

Marty loved his family. Married close to 60 years to his college sweetheart, they were devoted to each other. They weathered hard times, rejoiced in the good times & relied upon their faith. Marty was a rock & hero to his two girls, Kristen & Mindy. He coached them, attended their activities all through college years & beyond. They could count on him to be there at any time.

He lived the values he taught them: kindness, empathy, respect, honesty, gratitude and love. He encouraged them to pursue their passions.

Marty's faith was reflected in the life he lived. He was a good listener & friend. He had a ready smile, always greeting others, asking how they were doing. He was loving and always ready with the quick wit. He had an uncanny way of bringing optimism and a bit of humor to all who knew him.

Through his 12 years living with Parkinson's, he seldom complained and his faith helped him endure & live life one minute at a time. In his words ~ "I find joy in each day, count it a homerun and give thanks to God." Marty will be missed terribly, but his legacy to reflect Jesus in our lives will live on in the lives of all who knew him.

Marty is survived by his wife Laurann Kling Patterson, Daughters: Kristen Terry (Troy), Mindy Reid (Justin), Grandchildren: Jackson Reid (Nichole), Lily Reid, Lucy Terry, Gage Terry, Lola Terry. Brother: Larry Patterson. Sisters: Elizabeth Johnson (Duane), Sharon Lutz, Peggy Rice (Rusty).

Preceded in death by his parents: Ken & Luella Patterson, his brother Paul, and sister, Sue.

Celebration of Marty's life will be: Saturday, August 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2060 County Rd # 6 Long Lake, MN 55356

1 pm Visitation

2 pm Service

Refreshments to follow

Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church and Presbyterian Home Foundation, (Folkestone Employee Appreciation Fund)

Service will be streamed on Trinity Lutheran Church YouTube Channel.