Jerry Lee Patterson
January 9, 1938 - November 11, 2012

"Unfortunately I just heard of Jerry's passing. He had a profound effect on my life and many many other Fort Dodge kids. I was on Jerry's 1957 Demons baseball team. We had a record of 20 and 0. While baseball was Jerry's first love he also taught us how to play basketball. We had many church league and YMCA teams. Jerry used to pick up Myself and Roger Schmidt at Butler school and we'd head for the YMCA for practice. He had an old packard that was full of sporting equipment. In 1958 he formed a basketball team for a tri state tournament on Sioux Falls. We won the 12 and under championship. Jerry was so good with kids and teaching us how to play. He also emphasized sportsmanship, insisting we tell the other team "good game" after the game over. On one occasion I remember Jerry teaching me how to shoot a jump shot while he was warming up for a game himself! What a great guy. I can't say enough about Jerry and how many lives he touched. Jerry taught us kids back the late 50s and early 60s everything about baseball and basketball. I'll never forget him. "

"Jerry's Family, As a player for the SlaterNite Hawks in the late 60's & early 70's I remember the great battles we had with Jerry's Fort Dodge Merchants. He was always a real competitor and it was always a game we looked forward to playing. He was Mr. Baseball of NW Iowa. Jerry Kindhart"

"Any kid playing baseball in NW Iowa in the 1970's knew about the great program that guys like Jerry helped create. I didn't know him personally, but I will always remember and respect what the man did. Dave Brennan, Eden Prairie, MN Emmetsburg Teener 1970's"

"Jerry, you will be greatly missed from our lives, we have come to know you as as friend, with your cheerful smile and your love for baseball, you made those baseball games the best entertainment we, as grandparents could spend all of our time and love every minute of it, whether our team won or lost, it was an enjoyable day. Thanks again Jerry and rest in peace, our thought and prayers are with you and your family. Love Phil and Terry Hoefer friends from Humboldt."

"I am so sorry nfor your loss he was such a great tribute to the youth of Fort Dodge -I had 4 sons and all 4 of them played on Patterson Field-he had a passion for the youth to keep them in athletic programs to keep them motivated and out of trouble-he will be sadly missed"

"Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss. What a legacy Jerry left for his family and Fort Dodge. You were blessed. Linda Kloss Edwards. Class of 61 "

"It has been comforting and healing to have so many of Dad's friends leave such wonderful tributes. Thank you. We always knew that Dad loved this community, and it is clear that the feeling is mutual. Your compassion means everything to our family. Dad, although it is painful to see you go, I know you're playing in the big league now. I'll always love you. "

"To the family of Jerry, A terrible loss for the family and for the city of Fort Dodge. Baseball was Jerry. From a long time friend and old baseball player. Today he is playing baseball in heaven. Ed Hendrickson, Ames. "

"To Sandra & Mark - Jerry's Life can be summed up in words from the sport he loved - Jerry hit a Home Run ! So Sorry for your Loss. May God Comfort you in the days ahead. John Albrecht "

"â??21 years ago we moved to Fort Dodge IA, and met YMCA Program Director Jerry Patterson. Instantly I recognized his enthusiasm for providing local youth and their followers (parents and siblings), positive activities that gave families a reason to enjoy life together. I thank God's blessing of having Jerry Patterson in our lives all these years, and peacefully say "well done good and faithful servant" as he entered heaven Sunday. Today's ballpark weather: Sonny \o/"

"What a beautiful man, and we were honored to know him. Jerry Patterson and youth baseball in Fort Dodge have been synonymous for decades. My parents, Maurie and Mary Stark, held Jerry in the highest regard and spoke glowingly of him often. After Mom's death, I was blessed to get to know Jerry a little more as we completed her financial contribution to his beloved ballpark. What loving eyes, big heart, other-centered nature and kind soul. I am a better person for having known Jerry.... and I know literally thousands of people feel the same way. Rest in God's eternal and perfect peace, my friend. Our prayers and sympathy to his family. Tom Stark and family"

"As one of Jerry's recruits to play for the Ft. Dodge Merchants summer men's team I thoroughly enjoyed playing for him. Jerry spent a lot of time and energy putting very competitive and talented players together to compete at a very high level of semi-pro ball in Iowa and other states. I have very fond memories of playing for Jerry during the summers in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Thank you Sandy for sharing Jerry with us during baseball season. Al Bolty (Tucson, AZ)"

"To Sandy and Family; I played on Jerry's Fort Dodge Merchant Semi-Pro team from 1966 thru 1969 and many times on Patterson Field. We won the State Title, I believe in 1969, and played in the national tournament where the team finished 7th in the nation. What a great time for Jerry and the guys. Jerry was a great influence in my life and I will always remember him as a friend and fellow ballplayer but most of all for giving me a chance to be a team member. Please accept condolences from Vicki and I. Thinking of you, Andy and Vicki Moore"

"It was an honor to play at Patterson Field as part of Teener and SE baseball teams in the seventies. Will never forget how kind Jerry was to everyone who crossed his path, at that concession stand or while he was prepping the field. Thanks, Jerry. RIP"

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"To Sandra, Mark, and family: It was my pleasure to have Jerry work with me at the YMCA from '79 to '83. I have never had anyone in my career more dedicated to the youth of a community than Jerry was in Fort Dodge. I believe he truly enjoyed what he did for people. May the Lord comfort you at this time as only He can do. Tom and Gloria Holmquist, Georgetown, Texas"

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"Mr. Baseball in the Fort Dodge area! I was lucky enough to get to coach a teener team and call his field home what a wonderful place and and a wonderful man. Jerry was everything good about baseball and what it means to be a hero. Was at the Memorial tournament this year for 10 hours just to live a memory that I knew wouldn't last. Thanks Jerry for all the memories! Play Ball! Phil Allen"

"To JP's family. He was a truly wonderful man, teacher and coach. I consider it a privilege to have known him when he coached at Central Webster. Thank YOU, for sharing him with so many..."

"Your family has my condolences in this sad time. (Rev. 21:4)"

"Mr. Patterson was a great inspiration to all and truly made a difference in the lives of many. He will be missed."

"I clearly remember Jerry for a lot of our baseball years trying to help keep the teams playing. Truely a man with a passion...a truly valuable passion...kids & baseball. we enjoyed sponsoring his what i called his, SEMI PRO Baseball teams and "off to Alaska" to play...what fun It was also my pleasure to recently sponsor a baseball fort dodge amature sports contribution to build a dug out for a dug out on the North ball field and it was fun talking with him again after all the years. A truly nice guy with a passion and an example of "effort" -GOOD EFFORT Fort Dodge will truly miss him Bruce Boland and family Polk City Iowa"

"THIS IS A GREAT LOSS FOR THE CENTRAL WEBSTER AND FORT DODGE COMMUNITY. I HAVE KNOWN THIS GREAT MAN FOR OVER 40 YEARS. WORDS CAN EXPRESS HOW I FEEL RIGHT NOW. HE WAS JUST A GREAT GUY. HE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED BY ALL. REST IN PEACE JP"

"I enjoyed working with Jerry at Central Webster. He taught me a lot about starting a basketball program and organizing track meets. He was a very positive person. Ken Theobald"

"We truly lost a great person. I had the opportunity to play for Jerry in the mid 70's with the Fort Dodge Iowans. Enjoyed tremendously my two summers I spent in Fort Dodge and the people I met. Jerry provided myself and numerous others an opportunity that I'll personally never forget. Thank you Jerry -RIP!"

"To the Patterson family.....Jerry was one of a kind... and will be misssed by so many people... Sending prayers to you and your family..."

"Jerry gave me some of my favorite memories of watching baseball being played the way it was meant to be played. Outdoors with natural light. He was truly a gentleman and will be missed greatly."

"Our sincere condolences in the passing of Jerry. He was truly one of a kind. Our Kevin is also gone now, but he would remember Jerry with many fond memories. Our family wishes Sandy and Mark the best and want them to know we are thinking of them! Our deepest sympathy. The Leith Family (Joyce, Jamie, Jena Fritz, Jill Decker, and Lisa Lynch and families.)"

"Jerry, I can not thank you enough for all your kind thoughts and selfless acts you did for the youth of Fort Dodge and personally myself. You didn't Judge us from where we had came from, you only cared where we were going. YOu truly will be missed by many. Goodbye for now! we will see you again in the big baseball field in the SKy. "it's time for baseball!!!""

"To the Patterson Family: Jerry did more then just teach baseball he also taught kids how to become come strong solid adults. We will never forget the great times and friends we made over the years because of Jerry Patterson and Patterson Field. I remember one time the boys were playing in a weekend tourney at Patterson Field the score board went out. Jerry did not have any fuses to get it going, so I ran over and found a fuse for Jerry, everything was always for the kids. That was Jerry's life style for the kids and baseball. We will miss you Jerry. "

"To the Patterson Family: We learned about Jerry several years ago as we came to Patterson Field for the first time to watch our grandson play. We live 90 miles away and have deemed it our privilege to watch games at this wonderful facility! Mr. Patterson has been a huge influence on our grandson's life and has given to him a sense of pride and honor in all that he does! Thank you for that! We watched our grandson grow from a youthful baseball player through the "teener" league to coaching a team last year. Jerry's influence was present through all of those years! And we could never attend a game with out one of those famous LEMON SHAKEUPS! Rest in peace Jerry! You will truly be missed! God Bless your memory! and Thank you once again for all you did!"

"I am so sorry . Jerry was such a wonderful person. He taught basketball when my son was in 3rd grade and all the way thru his school years. They had such a wonderful team and he taught them sportsmanship. We saw a lot of games over the years. He was respected and loved by many and will be missed. My prayers go out to all of his family."

"To the Patterson Family: I have such fond memories of Jerry and his ballpark. In the 70's I used to love going to St.Eds baseball games at Jerry's field. He loved the game so much and he did so much for the youth in Ft. Dodge for so many years. Not to mention that Jerry was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He never talked down to kids and he was always involved towards making sports a memorable and fun experience for all. I am sorry for your loss. "