Mitchel D. Patten

Mitchel “Mitch” D. Patten, age 69 of Kalamazoo, passed away at Rose Arbor Hospice on April 23, 2024, after a battle with cancer.  He was born on March 26, 1955, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Vivian F. (Rallston) Patten and Donald H. Patten.  Mitch graduated in 1973 from Sturgis High School and attended Western Michigan University for business and law where, while working full-time driving/delivering for UPS, he found his lifetime career.  

Mitch married Sandy (Frederick) on March 26, 1988, and welcomed his most beloved son, Brett, on May 20, 1989. In addition to his regular job of creating laughter and delivering one-liners, Mitch enjoyed his career for more than 30 years as a delivery driver for UPS, RPS, and FedEx.  He successfully purchased and operated several FedEx routes including his favorite "Stressnedge" (Westnedge).  What he loved most about his job was meeting new people and collecting friendships.  He even managed to collect his second wife, Sherry, whom he married on May 22, 1998. 

He played and coached softball and, of course, next to his wife and son, Mitch was dedicated to the game of golf.  He golfed on several leagues at  Thornapple Creek and States Golf Course. Additionally, Mitch was able to virtually travel the world with his online golf game and in the years of declining health, was able to continue to enjoy the links and create many new friends.  Mitch will be remembered for his sense of humor, laughter, and for creating and maintaining friendships throughout his years.

Surviving are his wife, Sherry; his son, Brett (Rylie Millek) Patten; his step-daughter, Rebecca Ruiz (Chad Bartelson); his grandchildren: Miles and Luna; his sisters and brother: Vickie (Scott) Kline, Valerie (Doug) Lansdale, Michael Patten; and his nieces and nephew: Liz (Jake), Amanda, Emily, Anna, Andrea, and Tanner and grandnephew Grant.

Mitch enjoyed getting together with friends and family to sit around telling stories and sharing laughter.  In light of that, he insisted on not having a funeral.  His wish was that we have a gathering in his backyard this summer and remember the good times.   He asked everyone to come with smiles and their happiest memories of being together. More details to follow.

Please share memories of Mitch with his family at www.langelands.com