Patricia Ann Elenbaas

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 WinkelFuneralHome.com.