Richard Patzman

Loving husband and father, adoring grandfather and great-grandfather, patriotic citizen and forever a Marine, Richard F. “Dick” Patzman died Tuesday, October 13, 2009, surrounded by the people he loved, after a courageous battle with heart disease. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Church of Corpus Christi, Bismarck, with Rev. Paul Becker officiating. Burial will be held in the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery, Mandan, with military honors provided by VFW Post #1326. Cremation has taken place and visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Sunday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a vigil service will begin at 7:00 p.m.Dick was born June 1, 1924 in Willmar, Minnesota. He grew up in Bismarck with his parents Frances and Rudy, and his brothers and sisters. He was a star three sport athlete at St. Mary’s High School. His athletic prowess carried him into the United States Marine Corps and World War II, serving in the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific. After service he returned to Bismarck where he met the love of his life, Ellen Schulz. They were married June 2, 1946. Dick and Ellen remained in Bismarck where he was employed with International Harvester, then worked and retired from Modern Machine Works after thirty-five years of service.Dick enjoyed all types of sports both as a participant/referee and later as an armchair expert. In 1950 he was a member of the Roosevelt Bar Fast Pitch Softball Team that won a regional championship then went onto the National Tournament in San Antonio, Texas. He loved watching the Vikings, Bulls, Lakers, UND Sioux Hockey, and Nascar. He accomplished his goal of watching the Twins play every team in the American League in the old Mets Stadium.Hunting, fishing, and camping were important to Dick. He spent many hours enjoying these outdoor activities because of the quality time spent with his family. It was amazing to watch him water ski on Lake Sakakawea at age sixty-five.Dick was a member of the American Legion and a life member of the Bismarck Elks. He was proud of his yard and enjoyed many years of good gardening. Later in life he relished sitting watching the squirrels and backyard birds.Life was centered around family. Dick and Ellen spent sixty-three eventful years attending sporting, school, and church events for their children and grandchildren. After retirement, they traveled extensively to many states including Alaska and Hawaii, wintered in Arizona, and visited several Canadian provinces.All that knew Dick will miss his wit and warm personality especially his wife, Ellen, children Deb Dave Bina and Rick Barb Patzman, grandchildren, Davy Kathy Bina, Jenny Del Gallagher Bina, Taya Tim Johnson, Kim Josh Ressler, Christa Dustin Brodina, great-grandchildren Beau, Parker, and Tylie Brodina, and Sidney and Connor Ressler, sister, Virgina Armes and brother, Don Lois Patzman.He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Rudy Patzman, sister, Delores Smith and brother, Robert Patzman.Dick, you were loved by many and will be missed by all.

Richard Patzman

June 1, 1924 - October 13, 2009