Obituary of George W. Paterson

The Reverend Doctor George W. Paterson, 81, died Thursday, November 1, 2012, at his home while surrounded by family. He will be missed by his family and many friends. Memorial services will be held at 12 noon, Monday, November 5, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City (Sunday Parking Ordinance will be in effect). There will be a period of visitation one hour prior to the services at the church, and a fellowship time with refreshments following the services. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in George's memory to First United Methodist Church in Iowa City or the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (PO Box 1832, Burnsville, MN 55337). George William Paterson was born January 1, 1931, in Perry, Iowa, the son of John W. and Jennie (Mendon) Paterson. On June 2, 1952 he was united in loving marriage with Ida Belle Clark. During his rich career he was a parish pastor, campus minister, hospital chaplain, classroom educator, and Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor. Since 1961 he was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Iowa City. Many in Iowa City and surrounding areas have enjoyed George's music. He began playing trombone at age 9, and later guitar and flute. He led a jazz worship service for many years and enjoyed playing and sharing with local musicians. He was always an avid reader. During their sixty-year marriage, George and Ida Belle raised 4 loving children, and were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. His family includes his wife Ida Belle; their children and spouses, Jennifer (Paul) Rendall of Tama; William (Robin) Paterson of Odenton, MD; George Richard (Mary) Paterson of Riverside, IA; and Elisabeth (Kenneth) Hairston of Spokane, WA; grandchildren, (Rachel, Russell, Christopher, Benjamin, Marie, Thomas, Tamra, Kyler, Mariah, Andrew, and Emily); great-grandchildren (Ashley, Isaac, Ella, and Malachi), a sister-in-law Loretta Paterson, and nephews Ron and Bob Paterson. George was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Larry.