Tuesday, May 14, 2019
I am very saddened to have learned of Patti’s passing. I never had the pleasure of meeting Patti but I was a personal friend of Bud for the last 17 years, primarily via phone calls, emails, and a number of social get-togethers to acquaint ourselves with one another where we readily established a true friendship. Our volunteer roles were to share responsibility to maintain integrity for a large database for an organization of which we have been part for more than 60 years, namely, our high school alumni association. In the more recent years, I don’t recall ever having had a personal phone conversation with Bud in which he did not provide me with the latest update of debilitating hardships that Patti had to endure for extended periods. Her struggles were enormous, and yet, she hung in there with great fortitude, determination and resolve. Most prevalent during our conversations was the profound love that they shared with one another. Bud also frequently spoke of the pleasures they both derived from their children and their families. I regret I learned of Patti’s passing about five months after the sad event, but felt I needed to express the remarkable love that they shared for more than six decades. No doubt the Roepken offspring are well aware of such uncompromising love between their parents. Highly commendable, indeed! I extend my heartfelt prayers to Patti, Bud and their entire family.
Fondly, Joe Kassis
