Charles “Chuck” Patterson, age 88, of Rollin Township, passed away Friday evening, February 7, 2025, at the Hospice of Lenawee home in Adrian. He was born November 12, 1936, in Tipton, Michigan, to Walter and Laura (Wisner) Patterson.
Chuck graduated from Addison High School in 1955. That same year, on August 17, he married Geraldine Elaine Crabb in Nashville, Tennessee. They raised a family of four children and shared many years together until Gerry’s passing on September 16, 2015.
Chuck built a successful career in the refrigeration industry, working for Addison Products, McGraw Edison, and Taylor Freezer. In 1983, he took an entrepreneurial leap and founded C & G Refrigeration. His company not only served the community but also supported local sports by sponsoring men’s slow-pitch and women’s softball teams in Addison.
A passionate sports fan, Chuck enjoyed watching University of Michigan football and basketball, as well as cheering for the Detroit Lions and Tigers. He was an avid bowler who competed in leagues across Addison, Hudson, Hillsdale, Adrian, and Brooklyn. Beyond his own love for sports, he gave back by coaching Little League for Addison Schools and girls’ softball for Onsted Schools.
To cherish his memory, Chuck leaves his children, Charles (Karen) Patterson of Kenosha, WI, Pamela (Dennis) Shepherd of Onsted, and Laurie (Michael) Dowis of North Adams; a daughter in law, Juli Patterson of Auburn, IN; 17 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and a special furry friend, Grizzly. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Gerry; his parents; a son, Bob Patterson; grandson, Brandon Shepherd; and two siblings, Roger and Patrick Patterson.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, Addison, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral services for Chuck will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, also at the funeral home, beginning at 11:00 am with Pastor Joe Tassell officiating. Burial will take place at Lenawee Hills Memorial Park in Adrian.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Addison Schools Athletic Boosters. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.brownvanhemert.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, Addison.