Jolene "Jo" Patterson, 74, Gerald, passed away Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. It's a shock as just a couple of years ago she was dominating the field in age group triathalons. Yet there was an undiagnosed cancer which took her quickly. Gratefully, she was able to enjoy her life very fully until just the last week. Being such a strong and proud person, she didn't want to announce her illness.

Jo was born Oct. 19, 1950, daughter of Doris Nappier and Lester Mutert, sister of Brian Mutert, and step sister of Vickie Simpher and Kathy Bullock.

Jo's unique features include:

? Being highly skilled in math, science and finance way before it was accepted for women to be in those fields;

? Moving to San Francisco and the Haight in 1969 around the Summer of Love, living next door to Janice Joplin and hanging with the Jefferson Airplane;

? Competitively swimming in the San Francisco Bay and setting a long-standing record time from Marin to San Francisco, swimming under the Golden Gate Bridge;

? Marrying her love, Bobby Mezzanatto, being together for over 40 years and building many lasting friendships and memories;

? Successfully raising her granddaughter, Marissa Mezzanatto, who recently gave Jo a great-granddaughter;

? Becoming a prominent writer, speaker and judge in the wine industry;

? Working hard for several charitable organizations and founding an important one serving Franklin County;

? Finding her second love of Michael Havicon who has been a wonderful partner over the last three years;

? Founding a musical group to honor the playing of zithers that were manufactured in Washington and extensively documenting that history;

? Devoting a lot of her life to her church including being a pastor and being on the doorstep of becoming an ordained minister;

? Devoting the majority of her focus on making others happier and their lives easier.

She asked not to have a service, but we are organizing a celebration for her friends and loved ones to occur from 1-5 p.m., Sunday April 13, at the Elks Club in Washington.

The family was served by Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Missourian on Mar. 22, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Jolene Patterson

Sponsored by Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home.

2 Entries

Joe Shipley

April 13, 2025

Ever since I was a young boy she was always my favorite cousin. Her smile and laughter could light up her room and then she would take over the room to make sure that everyone in it was included and welcomed. I will miss her deeply

Chris White

March 26, 2025

I met Jolene during her last year of life. I referred to her as an "over achiever"; not in a negative way, but because it seemed impossible to understand how she did all that she did. I saw a lot of talent and intelligence, along with passion. She sold her Franz Schwarzer mandolin to me and I will always remember her for it. I truly wish I had had more time to know her.

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Memorial Events
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Apr

13

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Elks Club

Funeral services provided by:

Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home

1206 Jefferson Street P.O. Box 604, Washington, MO 63090

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