Patricia Prentice

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Patricia Prentice was a blessing in the lives of those around her. She was so thankful to share the best years of her life with her true love, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include the grandchildren she treasured. A more devoted mother would be hard to find as Pat was there to do whatever she could for her loved ones. She experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer, but what made them so extraordinary was sharing them with the ones she loved. Life will never be the same without Patty here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. The unemployment rate soared as jobs became scarce, and things only went from bad to worse when a drought covered our nation’s heartland for nearly two years during this time. Despite the trials around them, William and Katherine (Lister) Krohn were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their own lives as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Patricia Ann on January 15, 1938, in Bangor, Michigan. She was the fourth of five children as she was joined her family by her older siblings, Jeanie, Jeanette, and Bill, and her younger sister, Betty. Pat was raised by her stepfather, Clarence Crapo, who was in the tavern business while her mother also worked in the tavern business with Clarence. She attended local schools and graduated from Bangor High School in 1956.

Not to be forgotten during her years as a young woman was Pat’s introduction to the young man who would change the course of her life forever. His name was Jack Prentice, and they met through her sister, Jeanie, and her brother-in-law, Elver, in 1958. Jack frequently went to races with Jeanie and Elver, and on the way home one night Jack asked Jeanie if she had any other sisters like her. Soon after, Pat and Jack were set up on a date, but their first date never happened due to some miscommunication. But, the next time he went to Douglas Air Park Speedway, Jeanie brought Pat. Once Jeanie got done talking to Jack about missing the first date, she introduced them, and the rest is history as they say. They began dating, and it didn’t take them long to fall deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Pat and Jack were married in June of 1960.

There was never anything of greater importance in Pat’s life than her family. She and her husband welcomed two children, Mark and Jeff, into their hearts and home. Pat was a tender nurturer who loved caring for her husband, her sons, and her home. She was a great cook, and among the family favorites were her soups and goulash. Her family wasn’t quite so sure about Pat’s meatloaf, however.

Throughout her life Pat was always busy. In addition to caring for her family, she spent many years working as an office manager at Walker Parking Consultants. Pat enjoyed sailing on Lake Michigan as well as traveling. They frequently went to Sanibel Island as her employer had a condo there that employees were allowed to use. There was something Pat loved about walking up and down the beach every day. She wasn’t much into music, but when she did listen it was to jazz and big band music. Pat had a special place in her heart for animals, and she treasured the companionship of her current dogs, Marilyn and Shiner. Later in life Pat was thrilled to become a grandmother, and she savored every moment she spent with Mackenzie and Tyler. Over the years, she also took in friends of all kinds if there was a need.

A nurturer through and through, Pat Prentice was there to take care of anyone at any time. She could be a bit feisty at times, but she also had a heart that was as big as they come. Pat was a stranger to none and a friend to all, and it has been said that she was the glue that held her family together. Intelligent, loving, and generous, she also had just the right amount of spunk mixed in. Deeply loved, Pat will be forever missed.

Patricia Ann Prentice, of Kalamazoo passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. Patricia’s family includes her husband, Jack; two sons: Mark (Robin) Prentice, of Kalamazoo; Jeff (Meg) Prentice, of Rochester, MN; two grandchildren: Mackenzie and Tyler; two siblings: Bill Krohn and Betty Krohn. Patricia was preceded in death by her two sisters: Jeanie Harrington and Jeanette White. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 13th from 10-11 a.m., at the Life Story Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (269-344-5600). A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Please visit Patricia’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to the American Cancer Society and/or Kalamazoo County Humane Society.