Dennis D. Patten, age 54, of Ruthven, Iowa, and formerly of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, died on Thursday, September 21,2017, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa.

Dennis Duane Patten, the son of Donald and Sharon (Huffman) Patten, was born in Spencer, Iowa, on April 4, 1963.  He lived his youth and received his education in Sioux Rapids, graduating with the Class of 1981 from the Sioux Rapids High School.  Following graduation, he worked on various farms in the Sioux Rapids vicinity before moving to Texas for 7 months where he worked in the construction business. He returned to Sioux Rapids and worked with his father doing concrete work and later worked on the family farm raising hogs.

In 2000, Dennis was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was limited in the type of work he could do.  Dennis and Kathy Crapser were high school sweethearts while attending Sioux Rapids schools. They did not have contact with each other for 22 years and were reunited in 2002. Their son, Jeremy, was born on August 31, 2001, and his love for Jeremy was his motivation to keep going.  Dennis and Kathy resided in the Webb area, and their daughter, Emily, was born in 2005.  The family moved to Cylinder, Iowa in 2008 and then to Emmetsburg in 2011. The family has made their home in Ruthven for the past 3 years.

Dennis’ favorite hobbies were cars, building, and “tinkering” with things. He’ll be remembered as a “big kid” at heart.  His children were the joy of his life.

Dennis is lovingly remembered by his family which include his life partner, Kathy Crapser of Ruthven, Iowa; children: Jeremy and Emily, both of Ruthven; parents: Don and Sharon Patten of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; sister, Debbie (Leonard Prunty) Patten of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; brother, Dale (Stephanie) Patten of Spirit Lake, Iowa; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Memorials may be given in Dennis’ name to his family at P.O. Box 435, Ruthven, Iowa 51358.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be help on Saturday, October 7, 2017, from 4-6:00 p.m. at the Sioux Rapids City Park Shelter House. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements. 

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