John Evirage Patton

John E. Patton, 89, of Stillwater, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, leaving behind a very full life of great memories, deep roots, and plenty of good stories.

Born and raised on St. Paul’s East Side by his parents John Sr. and Genevieve (Quinn), John was a proud Johnson High School graduate. He loved to reminisce about his high school glory days, especially playing on the famous 1955 Johnson Governors hockey team that took home the Minnesota State Championship that year.

After high school, John served his country in the U.S. Army stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany in the 56 th QM Battalion before attending St. Cloud State University. He was part of the Kings Guard in the 1960 St. Paul Winter Carnival and loved attending the annual event whether he was helping out or just soaking in the fun. He began his professional career at Whirlpool Corporation and eventually landed at 3M as a Purchasing Manager where he made several life-long friends and enjoyed a 34-year fulfilling career.

John and his former wife, Mary, put down roots in Lake Elmo, where they raised four kids in a neighborhood that truly felt like family. John was the kind of guy who jumped right into local life—he was a dedicated Lions Club member, a volunteer firefighter, taught gun safety, and hit the local golf courses every chance he got. He lived for the simple traditions: the annual Canada fishing trip with the guys, Lake Elmo ice fishing contests, rooting for the U of M Golden Gophers hockey, Saturday morning bloody Marys at Twin Point with his buddies, celebrating his Irish heritage on St. Patrick’s Day, and spending the winters in Fort Myers, Florida.

Of all the places he loved, the family cabin in Crosslake, MN held a special place in his heart. Nothing made John happier than taking the pontoon out for a cruise on the Whitefish Chain, grilling steaks on the BBQ, or just enjoying a glass of red wine surrounded by extended family, friends, and plenty of laughs.

John is survived by his loving partner, Kathy; his children, Joe Patton (Valeria), Jeannine Davison (Sven), and Joan Knowlan (Robert); his grandchildren, Emily, Tommy, Claire, Jack, Grace, and Isaac; and many wonderful lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. and Genevieve; his brother, William; and his dear son, John.

Services to celebrate John’s life will be held on August 6th at Guardian Angels Church in Oakdale, starting with a visitation at 10:00 AM and Mass at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow at 1:00 PM at the Lake Elmo Inn. The celebration wouldn’t be complete without a toast at Lake Elmo’s Twin Point Tavern, where we’ll join together at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials in John's honor to be directed to The Lions Club Foundation.

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