Howard S. Patrick

Howard S. Patrick was born in Rockford, IL, on November 4, 1939 to Erra (Scotton) Patrick and Henry Franklin Patrick. He passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, and leaves behind his sister, Marjorie; two nieces, Erin Crenshaw and Luann Rosetter; and several cousins. His wife of 55 years, Verna Rosetter Patrick, passed in January 2025.

Howard’s lifetime passion for trains and photography began at an early age when his father took him to the Illinois Central Railroad Station to see locomotives and to take photos with his Donald Duck camera. This would lead to a career of working for various railroads as gandy dancer, telegrapher, traffic clerk, ticket agent, and lastly brakeman on the Great Northern. It also led to photographing steam locomotives throughout the US, Central and South America. He developed, printed, and sold many of his black and white photos. He also wrote articles to accompany them which were published in trade magazines such as TRAINS. His artistic eye, fine composition, and meticulous attention to detail reflect his dedication.

Enlisting in the Army during the Vietnam War led him to a second area of expertise. He studied Russian at the Army Language School in Monterey, CA, and then served in the White House, during the Kennedy and Johnson presidencies, along with three other translators, keeping the connection with the Kremlin open 24-7.

When Howard met Verna on a blind date in Luverne, MN, he knew his life on the rails was not compatible with a happy marriage or being a good spouse. He and Verna married and they moved to Duluth where she taught music and he finished his undergraduate degree. They decided to return to the family farm in Granite Falls where the quiet, rural life suited them both. Later they would move to Spicer on Green Lake, and finally New London where Howard served as Township Clerk for many years.

Howard loved his life and his wife. The two of them spent many simple, joy-filled seasons gardening, hiking, canoeing, biking, swimming, snowshoeing, traveling, reading, listening to music, and doing crossword puzzles together. He supported her dedication to music and poetry and they both supported the local arts as well as the preservation of the environment.

Howard walked lightly on the earth. His journey will be remembered and his legacy will live on. So will his subtle humor and his enjoyment of a good joke – even at his expense!

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