Hampshire High graduate dies in accident in Yemen
Jeff Patneau didn't have the physical gifts of some his teammates on Hampshire High School's football squad.
But what he lacked in brawn, he made up in brains and dedication, logging hours in the gym and on the practice field to earn a spot as an offensive lineman and linebacker on the varsity squad two years in a row.
"If there ever was an example for our athletes to look back on, it would be him," said Bob Fillmore, Hampshire's assistant football coach.
Fillmore and colleagues who knew Patneau were in shock this week after learning the 2001 Hampshire High School graduate died Oct. 4 from injuries he suffered in a car accident in Yemen.
Patneau was working for the U.S. State Department at the American Embassy in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, according to his father, Bob Patneau.
"He believed in what he was doing. He was very much a patriot. He loved this country," Bob Patneau said.
Patneau graduated from Augustana College in 2005 with a degree in business administration. At Augustana, Patneau was active in student government, served as an officer for the Delta Omega Nu fraternity and worked in the campus recreation department, according to the college.
"He was always a person who was very honest and straightforward," said Campus Recreation Director Don Umland. "His calling was to represent his country, and he did it."
Patneau was born in Minneapolis in 1982. He grew up in Warrenton, Va. before moving with his family to Hampshire as he was starting high school.
Besides football, Patneau also was involved in band, track and baseball during his four years at Hampshire, according to the school.
Patneau is survived by his parents, Bob and Dawn; his brother, Jonathon; and his sister, Sarah Cleveland.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cotton Grove Methodist Church, 175 Jersey Church Road, Lexington, N.C. Viewing will be for two hours before the service.
Augustana will host a memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday in Ascension Chapel, 820 38th St., Rock Island.