Russell W. Patterson

Russell William Patterson, son of Everett and Edna (Bernicke) was born April 20, 1928. He attended St. Paul Lutheran School and Napoleon High School. During high school he began working at the Shaff Brothers Drug Store behind the soda fountain. His starting salary was the magnificent sum of 25c per hour. After graduation from high school he served in the United States Marine Corps. After completion of his service in the Marines, he attended the College of Pharmacy at Ohio Northern University. In 1952 he was graduated and passed the State Board of Pharmacy. He became employed as a registered pharmacist at the Frank Shaff Drug Store. Today (1975) he operates the Napoleon Pharmacy.

Russell Patterson

Mrs. Marlene Patterson

Dan Patterson

Sam Patterson

Russell married Marlene Gerken, daughter of John Gerken and Ruth (Kline), of Gerald, Ohio, on Nov. 14, 1954. Marlene attended St. John's Lutheran School and Ridgeville High School. After graduation she was employed by the Gerald Grain Association as a bookkeeper. She also was employed by the Napoleon Elevator after her marriage. She is now the bookkeeper at the Napoleon Pharmacy.

Russell and Marlene have two sons, Daniel, born Aug. 3, 1955, and Samuel, born June 7, 1960. Daniel attends the University of Toledo and is a member of the chess team. He has a collection of chess trophies. Samuel attends Napoleon High School and is interested in radio and electronics.

The Patterson family are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Russell and Marlene have mutual hobbies of history, antiques, stamp collecting, and gardening. Marlene is a charter member of the D.A.R., Napoleon Chapter, and the Henry County Historical Society. Russell is a charter member of the Henry County Historical Society and the Ohio Historical Society.

Submitted by Russell Patterson