Marshall James Patten

Marshall J. Patten received his angel wings on July 4, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family, following a long hard fight against osteosarcoma.

Marshall was born on April 26, 2004, in Appleton, WI, to his parents James and Patricia Patten. He graduated from Appleton West High School in 2022. During his time in high school, he was a member of Discovery Core. This group was designed to help students have a peer they could talk to about their life challenges. Many students have reached out to his family to tell them just how helpful and caring he was while they went through their personal illness or illness of family members. Marshall understood just what they felt, because of his own journey.

Marshall was attending UW Milwaukee, majoring in biology, up until April when he received this terminal diagnosis. Marshall’s aspiration was to become a pediatric oncologist and also research a cure for cancer, especially his own. Being a part of organizations that made a difference in his life was extremely important to him. He helped with several fund raisers: Make a Wish, Children’s Cancer Family Foundation and Families of Children with Cancer. He spoke at events, participated in fund raisers and appeared on radio and TV. His goal in his short life was to make a difference and he accomplished it. He always looked out for others, especially those battling cancer too.

One of Marshall’s greatest traits was to light up a room with his electric personality. He loved books, movies, games, snowmobiling, boating and swimming. He loved sea creatures and animals, especially dolphins, whale sharks and red pandas. His greatest love of all was Disney. Disney was a ray of sunshine to help him and his family get through tough days. Before his death, Marshall commented that he hoped heaven was Disney. He couldn’t wait to get on Guardians of the Galaxy. He loved to travel and see new places whenever possible. His favorite places were Lake Lucerne in Switzerland and the Swiss Alps. 

Marshall was kind hearted, inclusive, sassy, goofy, fun loving, genuine, compassionate and the world’s best hugger. He was a dedicated friend, son and brother. One of greatest contributions in life was being the best friend and protector of his little sister, Brynn. She looked up to him from day one. 

This exceptional young man will be missed by his family. Marshall is survived by his parents Jim and Tricia Patten, sister Brynn Patten, Golden Retriever Murphy and beloved rescued cat Hermes; and his grandparents Pamela and Keith Jeske and Kathryn and James Patten. He is also survived by three loving aunts Amy (Cori) Popp, Shannon Jeske and Nikki Pieczynski. Lastly, he was blessed with two cousins Addalynn Robach and fiancé Dustin Fey and Andi Pieczynski. He will be missed greatly by all of his dear friends, as well.

Visitation for Marshall will be held at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton, WI on Friday, July 12th, 2024, from 3:00pm until 7:00pm, with a time of sharing beginning at 6:30pm. Funeral services to celebrate Marshall’s life will be held on Saturday July 13, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E. Glendale Ave., Appleton, WI at 11:00am. Visitation will be from 9:00am until the time of the service. Marshall’s cancer ribbon color was yellow, which became a very important color to him. We would love to fill the funeral home and church with as much yellow as we can. Please wear yellow, in his honor, if possible.

Please click the following link to watch the service via livestream https://faithfoxvalley2.online.church/

Marshall’s family would like to thank his medical team at MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. They cared for him compassionately like he was their own child. 

In lieu of flowers, Marshall’s family is asking for donations to be made to the MACC Fund, which performs pediatric cancer research.

You are not forgotten, loved one,

Nor will you ever be,

As long as life and memory last,

We will remember thee,

We miss you now, our hearts are sore.

As time goes by we’ll miss you more.

Your loving smile, 

your gentle face,

no one can fill your vacant place.

 You are not forgotten