Bruce W. Patterson (49) passed away peacefully at home on Tues., Aug. 18, after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.

Bruce was born in Fort Knox, KY on Dec.15, 1959 to Ray and Genevieve Patterson. He grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Carmichael High School in 1977. On Feb 14, 1993 he married Paula De Keyrel in Fairbanks, AK. Bruce retired from the US Air Force on Jan 1, 1999 after 20 years of service and the family moved to Rochester where Bruce was employed at IBM as a hardware support specialist. Paula is employed at the Mayo Clinic credit union.

Sports were a big part of Bruce's life. He loved watching football (especially the Steelers) basketball and UFC. His greatest passions were Nascar racing and spending time with his wife and girls. Bruce was a fanatic about his cars and they were always in show room condition. He loved to play softball and coach his girls in basketball and was their biggest cheerleader during their volleyball games. They spent many weekends on the road traveling for both sports and enjoying time as a family  In June the family was able to take a week long trip to the Dakotas, spending time horse back riding, visiting the monuments and site seeing. In July a Patterson family reunion was held in Rochester and it will be a cherished memory for all.

Survivors include his wife, Paula, and daughters, Taisha (20), Shayna (17) and twins Lexie and Carlie (14); his mother, Genevieve of Pennsylvania; 5 brothers; Mark (Kim), Eric (Billlie Jean), Patrick (Eliza), Daniel (Sue), Scott (Linda) and a sister, Monique Mathews (Brian). Bruce is also survived by 9 nieces and nephews.

Surviving in his extended family are Don and Dolora De Keyrel, and brothers-in-law; Curt (Tonya); Douglas (Heather), Alan (Kim) and 10 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Aug. 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection. Visitation will be at Macken Funeral Home on Thurs. Aug 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery in Rochester, MN.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Macken Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  www.mackenfuneralhome.com