Doris Elizabeth Patten

Doris Elizabeth Patten, 74, of Columbia, SD, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 15, 2023, after battling malignant melanoma for the past five years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Aberdeen, with Father Jeffrey Schulte officiating.

Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery following Mass.

A time of fellowship and luncheon will follow the burial at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center.

Visitation will be one hour before Mass at the church.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Doris Elizabeth Patten was born September 24, 1948, to Clarence and Margaret (Yeoman) Patten in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She attended Catholic Grade School in Aberdeen, SD, Austin, MN, Emmetsburg, IA, and Osage, IA. She graduated in 1966 from Osage Iowa Community High School. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Elementary Education from Clarke College in Dubuque, IA in 1971.  Her Master’s degree was in Special Education from Northern State University, SD in 1988.

Doris was a member of the Sisters of the Presentation in Dubuque, IA for 16 years.  Her 43 years in teaching included Shoreview, MN, Key West, IA, Waukon, IA, Madrid, IA, Clear Lake, IA, Aberdeen Mental Health Center, and the Cornerstone Career Center.  Doris was Educator of the Year 2006-2007 while working at the Aberdeen Career Planning Center and adjunct staff at Augustana College, SD.  Doris has been an active member of several Catholic Churches, most recently Sacred Heart Church in Westport, SD.  Doris retired in 2014 to enjoy her rural home, camping, fishing, watching football, and spending time with family, friends, and her dogs. Doris was a generous soul who always did whatever she could for others. She will be greatly missed.

Doris is survived by her sisters: Janice (Roger) Heiden of Williams, IA, Mary Jo Losen (Mark) Greenup of Omaha, NE, and Sharon Patten of Omaha, NE; sister-in-law, Jana Brones Patten of Gilbert, AZ; cousin, Roger Warfield of Greensboro, NC; nieces and nephews: Jeff (Shawn) Patten of AZ, Emily Losen (Scott) Ricketts of NE, Alex Losen of NE, Anthony (Kate) Viotto of WI, Taylor (Kate) Viotto of PA, and Auston Viotto of NE; and many grand nieces and nephews.  She was also very grateful for her Aberdeen family: Eileen Gasser, the Dennis Johnson family, especially Kierra, Tammie Barns, Charlie Miller and her many beloved dogs. Her life was blessed with many special friends and neighbors.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Margaret Patten; older brother Maurice “Morrie” Patten; brother-in-law Monte Losen; aunt Min and uncle Mike Hartman; many Yeoman & Patten aunts and uncles; foster adult Doris “DeeDee” Martinez; and her many dogs who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Doris’ family wishes to express their gratitude to the Hospice nurses and health care staff, doctors, neighbors, and friends for their many acts of kindness during this difficult time.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.