Mary Patricia "Pat" Aker

Hardworking, resilient, and genuine, Mary Patricia “Pat” Aker brought such happiness to the world around her. She treasured her faith, and it was her faith that put the joy in her heart and carried her through the storms of life when they came her way. Pat was a devoted wife and mother, and although she treasured these roles she just may have argued that being a grandmother was her greatest reward. In reflecting on her life we are reminded that happiness is not found in what we have, rather, it is in giving in abundance to those around us that we are richly blessed. Life will never be the same without Pat here, but her timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

The 1930s were some of the darkest days we have faced as a nation as the decade was very much defined by the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, which drove the unemployment rate to over 25 percent, and things only went from bad to worse when a crippling drought gripped our nation’s heartland for nearly two years. Despite the hardship around them, a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was filled with unspeakable joy as they welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on April 21, 1931. Mary Patricia was the older of two children born to her parents, William and Agnes (Vandenbosch) Powers, Jr., and she was raised in the family home on Torrent Street in the Lakeside neighborhood alongside her younger brother, William III.

In many ways, Pat, as she was always known, experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of her generation. She was raised in a home that was deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, and together they attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown Muskegon during Pat’s earliest years. Pat's parents later helped start St. Francis deSales Catholic Church on the west side of Muskegon where Pat would be a member for the rest of her life. For her education Pat attended local schools including Bunker School, then St. Mary's School and later Muskegon High School, Class of 1949.

It was while in high school that Pat met Bruce Winsemeus. They dated, fell in love, and were married in 1949. Over the five years that followed they were blessed with the births of four children: Janet, Bruce, Daniel, and Paul. Their marriage was a difficult one, and it came to an end shortly after Paul was born.

As a single mother Pat and her children moved back in with her parents for a couple years. She found work as a switchboard operator at GTE for a year and then moved to Continental Motors where she started as a switchboard operator. Pat later became a secretary to the vice president there until moving back to GTE in 1980. She worked at GTE until retiring in 1993. Pat was a creature of habit when it came to breakfast as she almost always had peanut butter toast to eat in the car on the way to work in the morning. Of course she had a paper towel, too, just to make sure she wouldn’t show any evidence of her breakfast!

Not to be forgotten during her time at Continental Motors was her introduction to the love of her life. His name was Dale Aker, and he was a payroll supervisor there. Sparks flew right from the start, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together they were united in marriage on November 1, 1957. To their marriage Dale brought his own four children: Diana, Daniel, Darlene, and Dennise. Their families blended well together, and somehow they managed to make living in a two bedroom home in Cloverville work. They eventually added on to the house for more room, and in 1964 they moved to Roosevelt Park. Pat was a meticulous housekeeper whose home was always neat and clean. The children were required to help with the cleaning during which time they often listened to big band records to make the work just a little bit more fun. Pat also had an eye for decorating, and her home was beautifully done.

In the late 1960s they built a small cabin on Blue Lake near Fountain Michigan. This became the backdrop for endless family memories to be made with countless family gatherings there over the years with the kids and later with the grandchildren, too. The family was given a tough pill to swallow as Dale battled with cancer. He beat it once, but in 1983 it returned with a vengeance and he died one week after their 25th wedding anniversay. Although the days, weeks, and months that followed were difficult for Pat, she drew strength from the love she shared with her family.

During her retirement years Pat kept busy. She became very active at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church, volunteering in the office and becoming a Eucharistic minister as well. Pat’s volunteer efforts also extended to Harbor Hospice as she put in countless hours there over the years. She especially loved being a grandmother, and one of her greatest joys was found in buying presents for all of them. Pat’s cards were something they all looked forward to as they were signed with plenty of Xs and Os.

It has been said that she could spend hours on end talking on the phone. In fact, her children were thrilled when call waiting arrived so they could finally get through to her! Pat also enjoyed shopping with her friends. One of Pat's favorite things in the world was chocolate. Her kids would often find wrappers in the car and they all knew what Pat meant when she told them she wanted "something special" from the store.

Trying days again came for Pat as five of her children died before her, but she relied on her faith and her family to get her through. It was difficult for Pat when dementia crept in during her sunset years, which made it easy for her to forget things.

Mary Patricia “Pat” Aker will be remembered for her zest for life, her love for others, and her outstanding sense of humor coupled with her infections laughter. Her compassion and love was easy to see as her granddaughter said, “She loved deeply, with her whole heart, anyone who entered her life.” Pat was generous, kindhearted, and ever mindful of others ahead of herself. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Mary Patricia "Pat" Aker died Thursday, September 11, 2014. Pat’s family includes her children, Janet (John) Austermiller, Paul (Patricia) Winsemius, step daughter, Dennise (Bruce Younkers) Hines; daughter-in-law, Deborah Winsemius;19 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren and a few great-great-grandchildren; brother, William Powers III. Pat was preceded in death by husband, Dale in 1983; sons, Bruce Winsemius & Daniel Lee Winsemius; stepchildren, Daniel Dale Aker, Darlene Kubicek & Diana Tigglemen; and great-granddaughter, Sydney Timmer. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, September 22, 2014, 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with Fr. Julian Reginato officiating. Memorials can be made to Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.