Robert Patterson

Madison - Robert George Patterson, age 74, passed away Thursday, January 24, 2013, at Agrace HospiceCare Center.
Bob was born March 9, 1938, in Madison to Hugh R. and Ruth (Pegg) Patterson. Following his graduation from Wisconsin High School, Madison, Bob served in the U.S. Navy on the battleship USS Wisconsin which was a highlight in his life.
Bob married Judy Mergen October 7, 1961. They had two daughters, Zoe and Tani. Bob was very proud of his daughters and now also his "grandgirls," Josie, Lexi and Cami. They all brought him much joy and he loved family gatherings.
Bob worked as a commercial/graphic artist for many years, a career he always enjoyed. His many hobbies included woodworking, hunting, and Muskie fishing at the family cottage on Lake Holcombe, Wisconsin, which was his favorite spot on earth. Bob and his wife were avid UW hockey fans and treasured the many friends made through this interest.
Bob invented the 60" Muskie Measure for Catch and Release Muskie fishing. He made them in his home workshop and sold over 10,000 of them as a "side business" and hobby. He was very proud of the Measures and made many friends through marketing them.
Bob is survived by his wife, Judy, of 51 years; daughters, Zoe (Tim) Miller and Tani (Jeff) Nate, and granddaughters Josie Miller, Lexi Nate and Cami Nate. He is further survived by his brother-in-law Ken Huxhold, and nieces Lori Murphy and Lisa Danford.
He was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Ruth Patterson and his sister Marjorie "Pat" Huxhold; also by his in-laws Phil and Selma Mergen and sister-in-law Kay Mergen.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 1, 2013 at 3:00 p. m. at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Rd., with Rev. Timothy Nybroten presiding. There will also be a Visitation from 2:00 p. m. until the time of service at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 in Bob's memory, or to the Capital City Chapter of Muskies, Inc. P.O. Box 8862
Madison, WI 53708 for stocking young Muskies into Madison lakes, a project he felt strongly about.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their wonderful care of Bob, especially RN DeeDee, CNA Shelly, and Dr. Tony Braus.