Robert "Bob" Pattinson

Robert “Bob” aka "Bobalu" Clinton Pattinson, age 83, of Darlington, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home next to his faithful companion Teddi and surrounded by his family on September 23, 2026. He was born on December 3, 1942, in Darlington, the son of Clinton Robert and Loretta (O’Brien) Pattinson. A lifelong resident of Darlington, Bob graduated from High School while in service to his country in the United States Navy. Following his military service, Bob worked as a machine operator for John Deere, where he spent many years slaving away for his family counting down the days until retirement.

Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dianna Margaret Ellefson, on July 11, 1964, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. Together, Bob and Dianna built a life filled with family, friendship, and plenty of adventures. They enjoyed traveling together and made their way through 48 of the 50 states, with Oregon and Washington being the only two they never reached. Some of their favorite trips were spent pulling their camper to Florida and the Wisconsin Dells, making memories along the way.

Bob was a quiet man by nature and never needed to be the center of attention, but he truly enjoyed the company of others. He was happiest when family and friends were nearby, whether they were gathered around a table playing euchre, spending time camping, enjoying a day on the pontoon or relaxing nights on the patio. Bob also enjoyed fishing and hunting and appreciated the simple pleasure of sitting back, visiting, and listening to the conversations happening around him. Bob cherished his friendship with his cousin Larry Paynter and faithful dog Teddi together they made (Bob, Larry, Teddi) B.L.T. B.L.T. spent winters in Florida and summers in Wisconsin enjoying each other's company. He may not always have had a lot to say, but his presence was steady, familiar, and appreciated by those who knew him best.

Bob was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and a member of the Darlington American Legion Post #214 and the Lafayette County Shamrock Club. Above all, he cherished his family and the many years he was fortunate enough to share with them.

Bob is survived by his children: Marla (Rich) O’Dell of Kokomo, Indiana, Mark Pattinson of Charleston, South Carolina, Erin (Tim) Hastert and Leah (Pete) Tourdot, both of Darlington, Levi (Asia) Pattinson of Key West, Florida, and Sarah (Brian) Potter of Abingdon, Virginia; his grandchildren: Devin (Bree) Hastert, Caitlin (Alex) Anguil, Owen (Kinsey) O’Dell, Conor O’Dell, Emma O’Dell, Carly (Forrest) Woodward, Cole Gollmer, Maggie Gollmer, Maddie (Jorey) Dobbs, Micah Potter, Abigail Potter, Gianna Potter, Rebekah Potter, Gabriel Potter, Evelyn Potter and Josephine Pattinson; and his great-grandchildren: Blaine, Sawyer, Bexley, Fallyn, Keely, Oliana, Cleopatra, Stetson, Lennon, Althea and Molly . He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Dianna, in 2023.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at the Darlington American Legion (1400 Keep Street, Darlington) on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 12:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. Burial will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery with Fr. William Vernon officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 at the cemetery. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com