Donald P. Patocka

Donald P. Patocka, affectionately known as “Little Bear,” passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on September 4, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by his family after a brief battle with lung cancer. Born in July 1947 in Parkston, South Dakota, to Edward L. Patocka and Cecilia B. (Martin) Patocka, he spent his childhood on the family farm in Armour, South Dakota. He went on to proudly serve in the United States Air Force where he was a Sargent and a B52 mechanic crew chief. Toward the end of his service, while on holiday leave with a buddy, he met the love of his life, Louise (Hadley) Patocka. They were married in January 1972, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Draper Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in June 2014.

A farm boy at heart, Don built a successful landscaping business. Through decades of hard work, that business thrived and is still in operation today after 43 years. Outside of his daily routine, he lived for the rugged beauty of the outdoors. As a dedicated Mountain Man, he spent decades participating in the traditions of the early fur-trade era and was a familiar face at the Fort Bridger Rendezvous. He loved sharing that passion with the next generation, regularly volunteering in his children's elementary school classes to teach the “Mountain Man ways.” Alongside these passions, he served his community for 43 years by fiercely lobbying for water rights for White City, Utah. Some would call him a "Water Wizard." Don converted to the LDS Church later in life. He and Louise went on to share the gospel together during an inner-city service mission. He was deeply dedicated to serving others and selflessly helped many throughout his life. Riding off to his final rendezvous, he leaves behind a legacy of adventure, storytelling, and community service.

Don is survived by his children: Cindy (Jeremy) Hansen, Kris (Emily) Tanner, Clint Patocka, Angela (Glenn) Mortensen, Erich Patocka, and Amber (Craig) Roberts; 20 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; his brother, Tom (Dow) Patocka; and his nephew, Chris (Hyejin) Patocka. He is also survived by various other outlaws, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and unofficially adopted children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Louise Patocka; his daughter, Molly Tanner; his parents, Edward and Cecilia Patocka; and his brother, Robert Patocka.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11:00 am., at the LDS Chapel located at 949 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah 84094 with a viewing from 9:00-10:30 a.m. If you would like to order flowers, please have them delivered to the church on the same day.