Duane Helm Patterson

Duane Patterson, 94, of Melbourne, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at the Willows of Marshalltown. Funeral services for Duane will be at 2pm on Tuesday, April 27th at Journey Church, 700 E Olive Street, Marshalltown. A public visitation will start at 1pm until the service time. Following services, Duane will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with full military honors presented by the Marshalltown Combined VFW/ American Legion Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be directed to Journey Church or the Emergency Food Box in Duane’s honor. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with caring for Duane and his family. For any questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.   Duane Helm Patterson was born on October 16, 1926, to Louis and Keziah (Helm) Patterson. He grew up in Marshalltown, beginning his life one mere mile from the Willows, where he passed. Duane graduated high school in Marshalltown and was enlisted in the United States Army where he honorably served his country during the Korean conflict. Duane earned his bachelor’s degree from Cedar Falls Teachers’ College and began his career as a chemistry teacher. Duane was a man of many talents, and he went on to become a farmer and worked for Fisher Controls.   Duane was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jackie Oliver, in 1962 at the First Baptist Church (now called Journey Church) in Marshalltown. Together as members of the church, they dedicated their lives to others and made sure nobody walked away without a smile after meeting them. Duane loved spending his time boating, water-skiing, and most of all relaxing at their cottage in the Ozarks.   Left to cherish Duane’s memory are his brother-in-law John Oliver and sister-in-law Sylvia Oliver, and numerous nieces and nephews. Duane is rejoined in heaven with his parents, his darling wife Jackie, his sister Doris Smith, and his brother-in-law Marvin Smith.