Jerry Patterson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jerry Gene Patterson, age 81, of Wakefield, KS, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, KS.

Jerry was born on September 21, 1943, in Syracuse, Kansas to Eugene and Linda (Weinman) Patterson-Zordel. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

As a student leader in his sophomore year at college, Jerry showed groups of new freshmen around campus. In one of those groups, a special lady caught his eye, and he later took Norma Jean (Jeannie) Boor as his bride on September 7, 1964, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Hoxie, KS. Together they built a life filled with love, dedication, and family. They were blessed with four children: Craig Patterson, Overland Park; Christine (Tom) Fritzsche, Huntsville, AL; Clay (Tammy) Patterson, Raymore, MO; and Kathy (Erik) Ganstrom of Seneca, KS. He had the joy of 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and two more on the way.

A graduate of Hill City High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Sociology at Fort Hays State University. The Dean of Men commented, “Jerry never sought leadership positions, they sort of just found him.”  He later graduated from the Colorado Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, CO.

Jerry held numerous distinguished leadership roles in his personal and professional life. He was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, serving as President and Interfraternity President in 1963.  He was also a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Clay Center, Kansas. Recently he served on the Catholic Foundation Board for the Salina Diocese. Professionally, he was involved in the Kansas Banking Association and the Independent Bankers Association of Kansas. Governor Mike Hayden appointed him to two terms on the State Banking Board where he served as Chairman for three years.

Jerry moved to Wakefield in 1970, where he became an integral part of Farmers and Merchant State Bank. Starting as a bank teller, he ended his 40-year career as, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board. He led the bank with unwavering dedication and remarkable service to his community. He also sold insurance and real estate and established a branch bank in Longford, KS.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jerry was passionate about service to his community. He was a member and officer of numerous organizations, including the Wakefield Lions Club and Clay County Economic Development Board. He was deeply involved in the leadership, promotion, and ongoing care of the Kansas Landscape Arboretum. He also provided conservatorships for over 25 people in the Kansas Guardianship Program. Jerry was a devoted scoutmaster for many years and was honored to be a recipient of the St. George Award for Scouting. An Eagle Scout himself, he truly embodied the principles of the Scout Law.

He had an entrepreneurial spirit and was creative in pooling resources with others to start new business ventures, including Flag Stop Campground, Kansas Travel Guide, and the Longford Water Bottling Company. Jerry wrote numerous books on family ancestors, crafted his own autobiography, and published his favorite tall tales capturing the essence of his lighthearted storytelling.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt, fish, and teach his children and grandchildren to appreciate nature. His grandchildren adored him, as he made each one feel uniquely treasured and loved. He frequently wrestled them on the floor, cooked with them, took them on vacations, and brought them to the cabin for outdoor adventures. He was a hands-on grandpa who enjoyed attending as many of their school activities as possible.

He desired to make each person who crossed his path feel valued. His generosity was a defining quality, one that left a lasting impact on those who knew him. His quick wit and sense of humor were ever-present, helping to lighten any situation with a joke or funny remark.

He believed it is the people we love and the relationships we build that truly matter. Jerry’s life was a testament to this, as he devoted himself to those around him, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Visitation will be held from 3-6 PM on Thursday February 13, 2025, at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home.  A rosary and vigil service will be held at 6PM

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday February 14, 2025, at the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Clay Center, KS

Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery, Wakefield, KS

Memorials: Kansas Landscape Arboretum or SS Peters and Paul Catholic Church c/o the funeral home