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Patti lost her battle with breast cancer in 2004.
Patti Kreutzer and I enjoyed almost 42 years together as husband and wife. We moved to the Portland area in 1966, where our second son was born that fall. Patti was a full-time housewife for a few years, then worked as a teacher's aide in the local schools, until our daughter entered first grade, in 1976. Patti then returned to school and got her degree and teaching credential from Portland State University. She taught kindergarten for the next 7 years. From 1984-86, we lived in Samoa, where I was the Peace Corps Country Director. Patti kept busy as a Sunday School superintendent, librarian at our daughter's intermediate school, joining a crafts group with 40 different nationalities represented, and playing tennis and bridge (the latter with the Queen of Samoa, among others). She also counseled several of the younger female volunteers, attended countless diplomatic functions, and was very well-known and popular throughout the capital city where we lived.
When we returned to Lake Oswego, OR, in 1986, she took a teaching job in the Lake Oswego School District, teaching kindergarten, then second grade for 15 years, until breast cancer forced her retirement in 2001.
Not a week goes by that I don't run into a parent of one of Patti's students--she was loved and is remembered very fondly by all. A garden will be dedicated this summer at the elementary school where she taught, to Patti and one of her close teaching colleagues who also died of cancer.
Patti fought cancer with the determination and grit that you would expect, submitting to countless blood transfusions and chemotherapy sessions with, mostly, good humor and a smile. She survived six years, during which time we took several trips to Europe, Hawaii, Arizona, and frequent visits to Southern Cal to see family and friends.
She was a great mother to our children, and a wonderful life partner for me. I consider myself very lucky to have had as much time with her as I did.
One of my fondest memories is of your 40th class reunion--I was able to reunite former boyfriend Gary Glasgow with Patti for one last dance. I know she had a great time at that reunion!
My best to you,
Pete Jurney '58
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Robert E. Risen
I remember Patty, her beautiful red hair, from I think it was about the 4th grade at Bella Vista. It was then that I had my first crush, it was on Patty. She was always so nice, and we continued to be friends until high school graduation. Rest in peace Patty.Vicky McDonnell (Franks)
THIS IS FROM PATTI'S SISTER KAREN:We sure miss our sister. She has two older sisters still living, one younger sister and one younger brother. She has three children, and several grandchildren.
She loved being active in school affairs, Job's Daughters, and dancing. Wasn't she pretty? She never had anything negative to say about people (well, maybe me once in a while) and she enjoyed each and every minute of her life.
She endured much discomfort during her last six years with breast cancer, but she didn't complain and was as socially and spiritually active as the Lord allowed. Patti is a terrific example of a woman who loved life and gave all around her a wonderful, loving memory.
Vicky McDonnell (Franks)
The last reunion Patti attended was in 1999 in Indian Wells at the Renaissance Esmeralda. She had already been suffering from her breast cancer for several years. I'll always remember Patti...her trademark red pony tail that she somehow twisted and I never could figure out how she did that. She always had a smile and was friendly to everyone. I was in Jobs Daughters with her and my first job was working at Christmas at J.C. Penney's in Atlantic Square and Patti was already working there so she took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. I'll never forget her. Rest in Peace Patti.Vicky McDonnell Franks
Carol A. Sheckler (Herriage)
Although I considered Patti to be much taller and thinner than I, she loaned me her wedding dress. It was a little long, but with a wider hoop and taller shoes, it worked for me. My sisters and I often speak of Patti and her parents and siblings. I remember her being so limber - could do backbends that absolutely folded her in half - backwards!I was so glad to see her at the '99 reunion in Indian Wells.