Robert W. "Trapper" Patterson

Robert was born in Wausau on April 16, 1955, to Robert L. and Joan (Ericson) Patterson. He graduated from Wausau West High School in 1972. He furthered his education at Wausau NTC where he obtained his Journeyman Qualification in the electrical field. He married his high school sweetheart, Cathy, in 1979, and pursued Robert’s dream of moving to Alaska where he worked as an electrician for many different oil and gas companies. In 2016, he retired from his dream job working for Hilcorp on the Steelhead Platform in the Cook Inlet where he shared half of his year with his work family. In 2018, Robert fulfilled his second dream of moving back to Wisconsin with Cathy to be closer to family, friends, and where they both grew up. 

Robert was a loving husband and father. He was the life of any party he walked into and had a laugh that was impossible to forget. 

Robert’s favorite hobbies were deer hunting in Wisconsin, moose hunting in Alaska, camping in northern Wisconsin, RV’ing in Alaska, and fishing in his boat on the Kenai River. He loved watching the Packers and was a NASCAR fan.  

Robert will be forever remembered by his loving wife, Cathy; daughter, Amy Patterson; brothers, Jody Patterson, Tom Patterson, Pat (Nancy) Patterson, Rick Patterson, and Jeff Patterson; Cathy’s brothers and sisters, Michael DeBroux, Diane Philipp, Janet Venske, Debra (Randy) Knapp, Patty DeBroux, Jeffrey (Cindy) DeBroux, Scott (Terri) DeBroux, and Eugene DeBroux; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. 

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Joan; Cathy’s parents, Gilbert and Eileen DeBroux; and his beloved golden retriever, Katie. 

Per Robert’s wishes, no services will be held. 

Because Trapper’s heart belonged to both Wisconsin and Alaska, a portion of his cremated remains will reside in each of his favorite places.