Obituary of Patrick Lee Ridenour

Patrick Lee Ridenour, age 59, of rural Iowa City, Iowa, passed gently into the arms of the Lord on October 17, 2007, at UIHC, after a courageous, one-year battle with leukemia. In keeping with Patrick’s wishes, memorial services will not be held; however, people are welcome to join Patrick’s wife and family for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s annual fundraiser: Light The Night Walk. The fundraiser will be held tonight in Coralville. For more information visit www.lightthenight.org. Patrick was born September 27, 1948, in Iowa City, the son of Forrest and Madelyn Oostendorp Ridenour. He graduated from West Liberty High School in 1967. He attended Kirkwood Community College and completed the surgical technician program. Patrick married Linda Berry on February 14, 1970, at First Christian Church in Iowa City. Patrick worked for UIHC Communication Technology Services. He was also employed by Iowa Donor Network, where he became an advocate for organ and tissue donation. An Iowa farm boy at heart, Patrick will be remembered for his unique sense of humor, never-ending curiosity, and charismatic personality. He often said, “They may not know me before I get there, but they’ll remember me after I leave.” Patrick was known for having unconventional hobbies. In his spare time, he could be found in his shop, restoring one of his many vintage 350 Honda motorcycles. He devised a corn-burning heating system that not only warmed his shop but also his house. Many recall the infamous shotgun mole trap that his wife never let him test. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda, and three siblings, Michael Ridenour of West Liberty, IA, Sharon (Gail) Reedy of Lebanon, MO, and Fred (Judy) Ridenour of Houston, TX. He was the fun-loving “Uncle Pat” of three nieces, Carrie, Dee, and Dana; three nephews, Christian, Chad, and Christopher; two great nieces, Jenna and Madelyn; and five great nephews, Eric, Logan, Matthew, Burke and Cale. He is also survived by his special rocking-chair buddy, Toonces the cat. Patrick is preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice, Camp Courageous, or local animal shelters. Patrick and his family strongly encourage people to register for the National Marrow Donor Program and to sign the Iowa Donor Registry. Patrick’s wife and family wish to express their gratitude for the loving care and support provided this last year by Dr. Roger Gingrich and the entire staff at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and 7RC South at UIHC. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Pat’s family and his arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com.