Robert M. Paterson, age 78 of Riverdale, ND died Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at his home.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Tuesday, March 25, 2008;
St. Paul Lutheran Church – Riverdale, ND;
Rev. John Nilsen, Officiating;

Interment: North Dakota Veterans Cemetery –Mandan, ND;
Military Rites provided by the V.F.W. Honor Guard.

Visitation: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Monday at St. Paul Lutheran Church - Riverdale;
Tuesday, one hour prior to time of service at the church.

Robert Malen Paterson was born May 29, 1929 at Rugby, ND the son of Edroy & Cora (Brandon) Paterson. He attended school in Rugby and graduated from Rugby High School in 1947. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on June 20, 1950 and served 3 ½ years in England. He was honorably discharged on June 19, 1954. Following his military service, he worked at the Texaco gas station in Rugby, a business his family owned and operated for many years. Bob married Elisabeth Krueger on Feb. 20, 1955 at Upham, ND. In August of 1966, Bob and his family moved to Riverdale, ND and became employed as a Commercial Fisheries Supervisor with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. He retired in 1994 after serving 29 ½ years with the Game & Fish Department. He was a member of the Riverdale American Legion, serving as a past Vice-Commander, and the Underwood V.F.W. Post. Bob was active in the Boy Scout Program while his sons were growing up in the 1960's. Bob held a tremendous love for motorcycles and motorcycle riding. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time in the great outdoors. He also enjoyed sprint car racing and took a significant interest in aviation history.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elisabeth Paterson of Riverdale; two sons, Steven (Jody) Paterson of Bismarck, & Keith Paterson of Riverdale; one daughter, Robin Nelson of Las Vegas, NV; and four granddaughters, Nicole, Whitley, Samantha, & Erika.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother (William).