Gloria V. Patterson

Gloria V. Patterson, 86 of La Crosse, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at the Hillview Healthcare Center. She was born May 8, 1934, in Houston, Mn to Miles and Nellie (Flatten) Summers. In her summer months of High School she worked as a car hop at the root beer stand in Winona, set pins at the bowling alley and as a nanny and waitress. On September 4, 1954, she married Earl J. Patterson in Houston, MN.

Gloria graduated from Viterbo College in 1966 with a degree in Home Economics Education (magna cum laude). She then earned her master’s degree in Home Economics Education from Stout State University in Menomonie, WI in 1971. Gloria taught English, Home Economics and career counseling at West Salem Junior High from 1967 until 1969. She then became Assistant Professor in Home Economics and Diatetics at Viterbo College. She was appointed Department Head and served as chairperson of several committees. One of which was the Faculty Evaluation Committee. In 1980 Gloria created, owned, and managed The Monogram Company in La Crosse until 1993. She then worked as a self-employed consultant in the computerized embroidery field until her retirement in 1997.

Gloria volunteered at Lutheran Hospice and Coulee Region Transitional Housing Committee. She served on the board of directors for Mobile Meals and WAFER as well as serving as chairperson of the worship and music committee for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse. She also served as vice-president of St. Paul’s Lutheran Congregation from 1994-1997 and was past president of the Viterbo College Alumni Association.

Gloria was a woman of many talents and passions. She loved to cook and entertain, she was a creative and exquisite seamstress, she liked working with pottery and was very involved with her church family. She supported many local organizations not only financially, but with her time and talents. She and Earl would spend weekends at their cabin in Brownsville and enjoy watching the river and spending time with family there. The weekend would always be better when there was homemade ice cream. She enjoyed traveling overseas and in their later years was caretaker for both of her parents. She was a wonderful Wife, Mother and Grandmother. She would do anything for her family.

Gloria is survived by her husband Earl of La Crosse; a daughter, Jenelle (Tom) Lee of La Crescent; a son, Kris (Sue) Patterson of Mindoro; five grandchildren, Jacob (Kari) Feldman, Jackie (Casey) Stadler, Angie Lee, Kyle Lee and Miranda (Brian) Milligan; four great-grandchildren, Ben, Aiden, Rowan and Bridger; a sister, Bonnie (Carell) Foss, a brother, Jon (Eileen) Summers and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials are suggested to the World Hunger Fund, St. Clare Health Mission or Habitat for Humanity.