Patricia Ann Elenbaas, 88, passed away peacefully March 1, 2020 at Vicinia Gardens Memory Care Facility in Otsego.
She was born November 14, 1931 in Caro, MI to Roland and Louise (Asall) Kern. She attended Caro Public Schools and went on to study at Central Michigan University, where she met her beloved husband of 67 years, Harold. They met while singing in the church choir. She ventured to Chicago to work at Capitol Airlines. It was quite an adventure for a young, single girl in those days and she was very proud of it. She married Harold Elenbaas in 1952 in Caro, MI, and they moved to East Lansing where Harold finished his college degree. They had little money, no car, but remembered it as some of the best years of their lives.
Pat was very active in her church, singing in the choir, serving as chairperson of the administrative board and especially being a member of the United Methodist Women. She worked extensively for the church bazaar, making and designing crafts as well as chairing the event. She had also taken part in many civic and social events over the years and had been a member of the Farwell Women’s Club, Library Association and Philomathean Club.
First and foremost, Patricia was a devoted wife and mother, always there for her family. She was an excellent baker and always made sure there was plenty of good food and desserts on the table. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, painting, spider solitaire, jigsaw puzzles and made many different types of artistic crafts.
Pat is survived by her devoted husband, Harold; 5 children, Nancy (Patrick) Malarney of Hart, Janet (Ramsey) Vincent of Lathrup Village, Mark (Sharon) Elenbaas of California; Sandy (Brian) James of Texas and Judy (Darryl) Paputa of Novi; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, R. James (JoAnne) Kern, Richard (Martha) Kern and Kenneth Kern as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Friends may visit with Pat’s family from 4-7 PM, Thursday, March 5, 2020 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
A funeral service will take place at 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 6, 2020 at the Otsego United Methodist Church with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating.
Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
Contributions in memory of Pat may be made to United Methodist Women of Otsego.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
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Offer Condolence for the family of Patricia A. Elenbaas
Condolence Messages
Tracy jorgensen
March 2, 2020 at 11:58 am
Ms. Pat will be missed. I enjoyed my time with her. Sorry for the family and Harold. Sincerely Tracy
Reply
Darl and Joyce Gilliland
March 2, 2020 at 3:48 pm
Dear Harold and family,
Pat loved being at church; helping with dinners, working on crafts for the bazaar and baking delicious pastries and candy for the Bake Shoppe and she loved singing in the choir. She was so very proud of all of her children and grandchildren. And Harold, you were her true love, taking care of her and always so loving. You are all in our hearts during this difficult time. May God be with all of you. We are so sorry that we will not be at her service, but will be thinking of you.
Sending you loving sympathy.
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Lisa Bekken
March 2, 2020 at 4:06 pm
My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. May the grace of Gods love surround you and give you peace. Aunt Pat was such a wonderful lady and we all shall be together again in heaven.
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Bob Miles
March 2, 2020 at 5:48 pm
Harold sorry to hear of the passing of Pat our thoughts are with you and your family.
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Debera Miller
March 2, 2020 at 7:06 pm
Dear Harold,
Pat was raised in our small hometown of Caro; so we were so happy when we joined the church and found that hometown connection. I know Pat was a good leader for our church representing our church at district conferences and serving or chairing committees within our own church. But my fondest memory was working with her on the bazaar soup luncheons. She gave me support and encouragement when I felt over-my-head. May you find comfort knowing she is now singing in God’s choir.
Our prayers are with you and your family,
Jim and Debbie Miller
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Jeanne Murphy
March 2, 2020 at 9:53 pm
Dear Uncle Harold and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Pats passing. I send prayers and good thoughts to all of you. You and Pat were an excellent example of what a marriage is suppose to be. God sure blessed you both and may he continue to hold you in the palm of his hand and bring you comfort in the trying days and weeks ahead.
I don’t think I’ll be able to come to the funeral. You know, I’ll be thinking of you all.
Jeanne Murphy
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Bob and Jane Grill
March 3, 2020 at 9:09 am
Harold,
Our most sincere condolences to you. Pat was a wonderful lady. In fact, we are still enjoying one of her many good recipes. Our best to you in this difficult time.
Bob and Jane Grill
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Bill & Brenda Standish
March 3, 2020 at 9:15 am
Dear Harold and family, our hearts and prayers go out to you. May you cherish the memories.
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Lori Neumann
March 3, 2020 at 9:52 am
Nancy,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. I didn’t know her but she sounds like a wonderful woman with beautiful qualities just like you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Mrs. Jim Hewitt (Patti)
March 3, 2020 at 7:53 pm
Dear Harold and family,
What a lengthy endurance Pat has traveled with you and your family. Many years of loving devotion, careful monitoring of physical, mental needs and care has come to an end. You have done your best and can be proud of the loving care you gave to Pat. Take time now to catch up on your needs of rest, and relaxation. You deserve it. Pat can be proud of the loving family she created, she reaped the rewards they provided. I wish for you to have Peace in your hearts.
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John & Diane Glessner
March 3, 2020 at 8:36 pm
Dear Harold and family,
We are sincerely sorry for your loss! I have many sweet memories of working with Pat on the Harvest Bazaar♥️ She was very proud of you and your family and loved to share about all of you. I have a beautiful crocheted piece with my initial that she made for me – very special. We will be driving home from Florida but won’t make it until after her memorial. We’re so sorry. Our prayers will be with you for sure. Sending our sympathy and love,
John and Diane
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Lorna Sisson
March 4, 2020 at 9:08 pm
Dear Harold and family
So many memories of Pat and the many hats she wore at the church. Always so active and willing to be involved in dinners, the harvest bazaar , choir, women’s society, etc, etc. she was so creative and enjoyed donating her time and projects for the good of others.
L
She always spoke of her family with love and pride. Your loving and constant care for her , Harold, has been an example for all of us.
You and your family are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May your wonderful memories give you comfort and peace.
Love Craig and Lorna
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Suzanne Shelton
March 15, 2020 at 7:27 pm
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear, lovely wife Pat. I have good memories of her leadership and kindness qualities. May you continue to feel the loving arms of our Lord comforting you especially in the more difficult days. Blessings to you and your family, in deep sympathy. Suzanne Shelton
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