John Milton Patten

John M. Patten passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 14, 2021 in the morning. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. John was preceded in death by his father, James Patten, his mother, Helen Patten, and his brother, Augie Patten. He is survived by his daughters, Monica Patten, Melanie Fritzsche (spouse, Matt), and Valerie Salazar (spouse, Paul), granddaughters, Helen Chavez and Mercy Fritzsche, and he is also survived by Florence Reed.

John graduated from Albuquerque High School. In the fall, he attended the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy and graduated in 1960. He was the first American Indian who graduated from the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy. John continued with his education, and in 1972, he earned a Master of Public Health in Hospital Administration from the University of Minnesota. He completed his master's degree in one year. John spent his career as a pharmacist and Chief Pharmacist with the U.S. Public Health Indian Health Service. He served in the military and rose to the rank as CAPT.(Ret.) USPHS.

He enjoyed playing baseball and running throughout his life. He completed nine marathons with the first being in 1980. The last marathon he ran was the New York City Marathon which he enjoyed very much. He also enjoyed watching football and basketball and going fishing.

A viewing will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH- University. On Saturday, December 4, 2021, a rosary and eulogy will be held at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Catholic Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima, 4020 Lomas Blvd. NE. A military burial will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at 1:30 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery.