Marian Geraldine (Gerry) Patterson (Nee Ness)

Marian Geraldine (Gerry) Patterson (nee Ness), resident of Morris, Il, passed away August 29, 2024, at the Gardens of Park Pointe Assisted Living Center in Morris.
Born February 23, 1927, in Nettle Creek Township, she was the daughter of Clarence and Arlene (Oswood) Ness. She was the oldest of 3 children, all born in the month of February. Gerry grew up on a farm in Nettle Creek Township, attended Hoge Country School thru 8th grade, then graduated from Morris High School with the class of 1944.
On June 16, 1948, she married Robert (Bob) Patterson at West Lisbon Lutheran Church. She and Bob raised their 5 children during their 58 years of marriage, before Bob passed away in 2006. Their married years were spent living in Carbon Hill, Lisbon, Matteson, then moved to Morris in 1990, where Gerry stayed after Bob’s death, for the remainder of her life.
Gerry worked at the Grundy County Bank as a teller until she was married. She then stayed home to raise her 5 children, and returned to Grundy County Bank when the youngest child started school, and became the Teller Supervisor. Bob’s job required moving to Matteson, Il, where she became the Teller Manager at the Matteson-Richton Bank. She held that position until retiring in 1983.
Through the years, Gerry enjoyed gardening and growing beautiful flowers in her yard. She looked forward to playing cards (Rook and “May I”) with friends and family.
She loved making Norwegian specialties, such as Kumla, Potato Cakes, Lefse, Kringlas and baking cupcakes and cookies for events. At Halloween, she would make 100-150 popcorn balls for the Trick-or-Treaters each year. All the Lisbon children knew the goodies were at the Patterson house. She also enjoyed going to flea markets and antique shopping with many of her friends, always looking for beautiful pieces of antique glassware.
Gerry also loved roller skating, where she met her future husband at the Olson Roller Rink in Morris. She made beautiful crocheted doilies for her home and for family and friends. She was also a very talented seamstress, making clothes for herself, daughters, and even their dolls.
Gerry was a member of West Lisbon Lutheran Church her entire life, belonging to Ladies Aid and Mission Aid.
Gerry was a major sports fan, and a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. She and Bob attended many annual Cubs Conventions in Chicago, and also went on a very special Cubs Cruise thru the Hawaiian Islands. She loved her Chicago Bulls, rarely missing a game on TV, and also followed the Chicago Bears.
Bob and Gerry enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with their family. They hoped to visit each of the states, and only fell short by 3 states. Many summer family vacations were spent in Eagle River, Wisconsin, and Woman Lake, Minnesota. They always stayed in cabins by the lake, where everyone could enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and evening campfires.
Gerry is survived by her 5 children: Steven of Byron, Il, Gayle (Dave) Murley of Shorewood, Il, Daryl (Anne) of Chandler, AZ, Rodney (Melanie) of Diamond Bar, CA and Sheila (Keith) Welker of Mars, Pa. Grandchildren: Angela (Steve) Paladino, Stacey (Joe) Vierra, Scott (Denise) Jacobson, Cody (Monique) Murley, Rachel (Jeremy)Fiedler, Kevin Patterson, Jasmine (David) Sosa, Stuart (Jessica) Grady, Renee (Blake) Stark, Victoria Patterson, Lisa (Joe) Balestrino-Zulick, Anthony Balestrino, Nick Balestrino and 3 daughters of Keith Welker; Renee, Hannah, Lea, and their families. Great-Grandchildren, August, Bryce, Alexandria, Leo, Aidan, Ireland, Thor, Kayliann, Chanelle, Annika, Hallie, and another due next year. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Blanche Cinotto of South Carolina, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, sister Eunice, brother Wayne, and several sister and brother-in-laws.
Services will be held Saturday September 7, 2024 at West Lisbon Lutheran Church, 14381 Joliet Road, Newark, Il. Visitation at 9:30 A.M., followed by a celebration of her life at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow at West Lisbon Cemetery.
A very special thanks to the many wonderful, caring administrators, nurses, CNA’s and aides at the Gardens and Hospice who treated Gerry with so much respect, and loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the West Lisbon Lutheran Church.
Fruland Funeral Home, 121 W. Jefferson St. in Morris is in charge of arrangements. For more information, call the funeral home at 815-942-0700 or sign the online guestbook at www.frulandfuneralhome.com