HOLLAND, Mich. — William M. Patterson, 88, Holland, passed away Friday, Aug. 18, 2017.
Bill was born in Warsaw on June 6, 1929, to William and Della Patterson.
Bill graduated from Warsaw High School with eight athletic letters and was a two-time Indiana high school all-state basketball player. He had the opportunity to play basketball at Purdue University and practiced with the Fort Wayne Pistons before they moved the professional basketball team to Detroit. Instead of following a path using his basketball talents, Bill opened the first drive-in restaurant in Indiana at the age of 18. He later sold the drive-in and joined the U.S. Air Force.
In 1949, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Shidler. Bill and Marilyn moved to Holland and raised their family. Bill opened Patt’s Paper Specialties in 1962; it later became Shoreline Container. Bill enjoyed his work at Shoreline and retired in 1990.
In retirement, Bill drove the Roger Penske motor coach for Roger and the Penske race team from 1990-2002. Bill and Marilyn enjoyed their retirement winters in Fort Myers from 1990-2006.
Bill was a longtime member of the Holland Elks Lodge and was past president of the Pioneer Club.
He was preceded in death by a son, Brian, and his wife of 62 years, Marilyn, in 2012.
He is survived by his children, Brad (Donna) Patterson, Holland, and Brent (Amanda) Patterson, Holland; grandchildren: Tyler, Kyle and Spencer; in-laws, Ed and Marlene Schidler, Holland; and their four children.
A private funeral service will be held. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, Holland, assisted with arrangements.
