History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

My family's association with funeral service began in 1865 when my great-great grandfather, Alexander, came to Braidwood and set up a furniture, livery and undertaking business. He emmigrated from Scotland at the age of 24 to work in the mines in Pennsylvania, then joined the gold rush to California. He recovered enough gold to purchase a farm in DeKalb, IL. After farming for five years, he spent a few years engaged in brick making before making Braidwood his home. He was one of the founders of the Masonic Lodge No. 704 in Braidwood and served as its first Worshipful Master. Alexander and his wife, Jane (McKinley), had seven children. Their sons, Alexander and James W., conducted the A. & J.W. Patterson Furniture and Undertaking business which had been started by their father a generation earlier.

James W. Patterson was born in Scotland, married Mary Stewart, and migrated to Braidwood in the early 70's. James served as Braidwood's postmaster, several terms as Supervisor of Reed Township and was long associated with the civic affairs of his city. The first fire department in Braidwood was organized in 1877 with James W. Patterson being the first Fire Chief of Marshal. He was also a past Master of the Masonic Lodge No. 704 in Braidwood. They had seven children. Among them were ALexander J. and James R., both of whom were undertakers.

Alexander J. and James R. conducted the business until Alexander's death. At that time, Alexander's son, Malcom, joined the business until he died in a car accident in 1940. In 1940 the business was conducted solely by James R. and his wife Esther (Nelson) at a new location on East Main Street in Braidwood. They were both very much concerned with the advancement of their city. They donated the property on which the A. & J.W. Patterson Furniture and Undertaking business stood on main street to the Braidwood Bank (now Charter One Bank). James R. was a past Master of Masonic Lodge No. 704. He passed away in 1950, at which time Esther continued the business and was active in many organizations. She was a member of the Order of the Amaranth, an 80 year member and past Worthy Matron of the O.E.S. Holly Chapter No. 183 in Braidwood and a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Braidwood. James R. and Esther had three children, Robert, James W. and Mary. James W. was an undertaker.

James W., and his wife, Martha (Armstrong), were the fourth generation to continue in the funeral business. James graduated from the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1941 and was honored as a fifty year licensee of funeral service in 1993. Martha became a funeral director in 1960. Jimmy was a 50 year member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association and had served Will County as Deputy Coroner for several years. He is also a 50 year member a past Master of Braidwood Masonic Lodge No.704, a 50 year member of the American Legion Post #39, the O.E.S. Holly Chapter No. 183, and the Braidwood Fire Department, of which he served as treasurer for many years. In 1963, James W. and Martha built a new facility on East Main Street in Braidwood on the spot previously occupied by the East School. In 1958 they built a second location in South Wilmington, IL. Martha is a member and past Worthy Matron of O.E.S. Holly Chapter No. 183. She is active in church and charitable organizations. James W. and Martha had three children, James R., Carol, and myself, Roger W. Patterson.  I, along with my wife, Kathy (Moret) Patterson, conduct the business today. 


Our Valued Staff

Roger W. Patterson

Roger W. Patterson, Retired

Roger W. and his wife, Kathy (Moret), the fifth generation of the Patterson clan in the funeral business have owned and operated the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. since the retirement of Roger's parents in 1984. Roger, a licensed funeral director, graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1978. He has also completed training in eye enucleation, emergency preparedness, medicolegal death investigation, and is a Certified Cremationist. He served Will and Grundy counties as Deputy Coroner for many years. When time allows, he enjoys a round a golf with friends or logging miles on his motorcyle. Roger and Kathy have two children and five grandchildren. Their son, Christopher is a licenced funeral director, but has business ventures of his own not related to the funeral business. Their daughter, Sara is Executive Assistant for the funeral home.


Kathy R. Patterson

Kathy R. Patterson, Retired

Kathy R. Patterson, wife of Roger W., is in charge of business administration and operations. Educated in accounting, her expertise is in the financial aspects of the business. A licenced life insurance producer, she is able to offer more choices and options for families who wish to make pre-paid pre-arranged funerals. Kathy is our Memorial Specialist, having been in monument sales for the past 19 years and is a Certified Cremationist. A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Braidwood, she was church treasurer for 12 years and served the church for many years as a Sunday school teacher and youth group leader. Kathy and Roger have two children and five grandchildren.


Sara M. Foote

Sara M. Foote, Manager

Sara (Patterson) Foote, daughter of Roger and Kathy, is the sixth generation of the Patterson family to enter funeral service. She is skilled in many areas of funeral service. She also serves the firm as Director of Operations, Family Counselor, Pre-need Specialist, and is a licensed Insurance Producer. She lives in Essex, IL, is married to Joshua Foote and has two children, Lucas and Mackenzie.


Amy L. Syfert

Amy L. Syfert, Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Pre-Need Life Insurance Agent

Amy (nee Highbaugh) SyfertAmy is a graduate from Minooka Community High School, Class of 2004 and also graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2006, receiving her Associates in Applied Science and Mortuary Science. She is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and pre-need life insurance agent. She resides in Channahon with her husband, Brian Syfert and two children, Austin and Ethan Syfert.