Clare Andrew Patterson

Clare Patterson, formerly of Newton and Muscatine, died on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the age of 95 years. He was born in Windsor, Ontario. He was the eldest son of William and Ina (Buffington) Patterson.

He graduated from Albia High School in 1948 and attended Chicago Technical College.

He met Patricia (Pat) Maher in 1952. Clare and Pat were married in Newton at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on October 13, 1956. Together they had three children, William (Bill) Patterson, Linda Fletcher and Susan Patterson Plank.

Clare began his career at Inland Steel in East Chicago, IN although his stay there was brief as he and some buddies took off for three months touring the western United States. Upon his return, he joined the Maytag Company in Newton.

Clare spent most of his career at HON Industries, retiring in 1990, after 33 years of service. He began doing manufacturing time analysis and rose through the ranks to the Vice President of Manufacturing Research. He was a natural problem-solver and worked for HON Industries in many capacities across the country. He served as a member of the advisory council of the Center of Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Clare had a lifelong passion for aviation. In his early years, he earned a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying planes. He was a dedicated and active member of the Loyal Order of Moose. He took great pride in his service on the Degree Staff. Later in life, he found joy in woodworking, crafting thoughtful gifts for others.

Clare was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Frank Patterson and his wife Marsha Patterson, along with his brother-in-law John (Jack) Maher and his wife Marilyn Maher and brother-in-law Daniel Maher.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Patterson; children Bill Patterson (Janet Nackovic), of Morris, IL; Linda Fletcher (James Fletcher), of Johnston, IA; and Susan Patterson Plank (Shawn Plank), of Urbandale, IA. He is also survived by six grandchildren Christopher Fletcher, Benjamin Fletcher (Danielle), Emily Berman (Jake), Scott Patterson (Crystal), Samuel Plank and Thomas Plank; and eight great-grandchildren.

The family will celebrate Clare’s life at Wesley on Grand located at 3520 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA on Sunday, March 22 at 1:30 p.m. A private interment will be at Colfax Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family requests that you perform an act of kindness in Clare’s memory.