Frederick J. Pattan

Frederick “Fred” Jeremiah Pattan, age 82, of Rock, MI passed away Wednesday morning, March 18, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family. The only child of Eleanor Harrington and Charles “Sumner” Pattan, he was born at home in Fenton, MI on July 4, 1937. He developed a love of John Deere tractors and antique machinery at a very young age while working on the farms. Fred served in the U.S. Navy as an Engineman on the USS YOG-89 and the USS Stalwart MSO-493 from August 1956 – August 1960. He married the former Janet Mason on January 26, 1962. Three of their children were born while living in Argentine, MI and two were born after they moved to Rock in 1971.

Throughout his career as a master mechanic, Fred worked in welding and fabricating at various local businesses, specializing in automobiles, heavy equipment, and diesel engines. He had an affinity for problem solving and was always willing to take on new projects, even in an area he was unfamiliar with. Fred was called upon by many because he was known to offer unique, creative solutions. His quick wit and humor were an added benefit to those he assisted. Fred gave a special nickname to each person he met.

In his retirement, he found enjoyment in woodworking, carpentry, leather crafting, and maintaining equipment to support his wife’s love of farming and animals. For several years, Fred frequented auctions and the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Show, always keeping an eye out for bargains to further his many ongoing projects.

Frederick J. Pattan is survived by children Patty (Jim) Pattan-O’Neal of Rock, MI, Roy Pattan of New Vienna, OH; Jenny (Herb) Wheeler of Rock, MI, Elizabeth “Libby” Pattan (Mike) of Circle Pines, MN, Shirley Pattan (Joan) of Minneola, FL, Mary (Harvey) Heburn of Atoka, TN, and Teri (Robert) Manty of Powers, MI; 27 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and various friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Pattan in 2016; granddaughter, Samantha; and brother, Charles Franks.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2020 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Gladstone. Prayers of Transfer will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. Military Honors will follow by the Rock American Legion Post 559. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins with Father Al Mott officiating. Burial will take place in the Rock Cemetery. 

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