Roy D. Van Patter Sr.  Born to eternal life, October 7th, 2016 at the age of 80. He was the loving husband to the late Audrey (nee Widowski).  Known as "The Bull of the Woods," Roy was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, also a skilled master plumber and member of Plumbers local 75.  Roy Van Patter (aka: pops to me) lived a life full of hardships from the day he entered this world. His mother often said "even as a little boy, Roy worked as hard as if he were already a man." I find that statement truly sums up his life. He overcame many obstacles and always protected and provided for his family.  Born in Duluth, MN, his family moved to northern WI where he grew up a farm boy. I remember him telling us, "It was SO cold in the mornings I had to warm my feet up in the cow patties." I'm still unclear as to what he fabricated. At some point, they moved to Milwaukee and he joined the Marines at a young age where he would serve in the Korean War. I remember him telling me how they picked him for his potential as a left handed sharp shooter, as well as him reminiscing driving around base as a MP.  After that he returned to Milwaukee, WI where he began his journeyman as a plumber. Through his career he would create a well-respected name as a skilled tradesman, join local plumber 75 and eventually retire a master plumber. Early in his return to Milwaukee, he met our mom Audrey, fell in love and got married on April 28th, 1956 from which four children were conceived and 9 grandchildren. Audrey would not get to meet her great-grandchildren, as she fell ill to cancer at a fairly young age. Roy stood by her side and tended to her every need. It was very humbling to witness; as with all marriages that withstand 37 years, there is much to overcome along with a great love for each other to remain standing "to death do us part." Roy was heartbroken at the loss of Audrey and the dream they shared to one day reside on their sacred land on a lake up north. He never remarried and lived on to see great-grandchildren be born, hold them and even reside with and help raise a few of them. Roy's legacy: Son Roy Jr. (Diane) granddaughter Char (James) great-grandson Avery. Son: Michael; granddaughter Nichole; great-grandchildren Lorelai and NJ.  Granddaughter Vanessa. Daughter: Judy, granddaughter Sarah; great-grandchildren Makale and Malina. Grandson Jeffrey; great-granddaughter Isabella. Granddaughters Stephanie and Jessica.  Daughter: Shelly; grandchildren Amber, Jeremiah and Dylan (10-25-02 left on spirt wings 2-21-08). He is further survived by brothers Richard and Thomas (Debbie) Rueden. Roy Sr. is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends.  In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother James and sister-in-law Elenor Van Patter, and sister Patricia Rueden.Roy Sr. did continue to hunt up north and visit his brother Jim as often as possible; which I know gave him great joy and healing. It's hard to explain the look and energy that came over him whenever he was up on his land. He purchased the land in 1972 and that is where he taught his two boys to hunt and gave all his children, and legacy forward the opportunity to learn a great respect for Mother Nature. My strongest and happiest memories of our family reside up there and I think I can safely speak for all my siblings in saying we are forever greatful to our pop for spending time with us and sharing his love for hunting, fishing, fire building, and camping in the great north woods of WI. Later in life he applied for a bear tag, which took 9 years to acquire and maybe his greatest hunt when he proudly came face to face with the spirit of the bear he brought home. On Labor Day weekend of 2016 his oldest son Roy Jr. rented an R.V. and packed our pop in for one last adventure up north. Great-Grandpa Roy was surrounded by all his children, many grandchildren, and most of his great-grandchildren for a late 80th birthday celebration. We only get so much time here, I think pop would want us to live our lives to the fullest and not wait to until "later." Thank you pop, for all you gave and sacrificed for your family. He crossed over on the morning of Oct.7, 2016 greatly loved and warm in his own bed surrounded by family.  Roy Donald Van Patter Sr. can now safely journey home resting in the coat of his sacred bear.- Shelly Van Patter Visitation Thursday, October 20th, 2016 at the funeral home.  Service at 7 pm.  Private entombment at St. Adalbert Cemetery.