Betty Patzer

KINGSFORD - Betty J. Patzer, 82, of 1820 Mary's Way in Kingsford, and a longtime prior resident of Channing, died Wednesday, July 9, 2008, at her home. Betty was born June 30, 1926, in Channing, daughter of the late Henry and Katherine (Gerhards) Larson. She graduated from Iron Mountain High School in June of 1944. She was married to Julius J. "Pat" Patzer on December 24,1944, at St. Mary and St Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Betty was a devoted member of the St. Rose Catholic Church in Channing, sang in the choir and also played the organ for many years. As a member of the Sagola Township Community Choir, she enjoyed singing at various events. The Green Bay Packers were one of her passions. She was always a "Packer Backer." One of her uncle's was an original stockholder in the Packer organization. She spoke of her Dad who used to play "sandlot" football with the Green Bay meatpackers, which eventually evolved into professional football. A memorable event for Betty was when she and Pat were at the Packer game when Don Hutson caught the first pass that was allowed to be run back. For many years Betty enjoyed cake decorating and made many a beautiful one for her family and friends. A trip that Betty treasured was when her daughter Marilyn took her to Detroit to see Pope John Paul II. Betty loved being on the computer, sending letters, jokes, and interesting information to her family and friends. Betty is survived by her three daughters, Kathryn (William) Hall of Elizabethtown, Pa., Mary (Ed) Hicks of Ashland, Ky. and Marilyn Patzer of Randville; six grandchildren, James (Jerry) Hall, Suzanne (Glen) Fitzgerald, Greg (Jeanna) Hicks, Ross Hicks (Jackie Cox), Richard "Mike" Collins (Gary Faulkner), and Kate Hamby; and 12 great-grandchildren, Samantha and Jessica Hall, Shelby, Sarah and Matthew Henderson, Emma and Jack Fitzgerald, Cory and Julia Hicks, Shelbie Jeffrey, Madelyn Jack and Rhiannon Hamby; two sisters-in-law, Elaine Larson and Patricia Patzer; a nephew, Greg (Colleen) Larson; a great-nephew, Christopher Larson; a niece, MaryKay (John) Zanoni; a great-niece, Katie Guldswog; and several other nieces and nephews. Betty was also blessed with an extended family which includes James (Lori) Jauquet Jr. and their children, Andy, Josh and Katie. She was preceded in death by her husband Julius J. "Pat" Patzer on Oct. 17, 2006; her brother, Ronald Larson; and a grandson, Thomas Hall. Within the last year Betty moved into Evergreen Retirement Village in Kingsford. The personal relationship that developed between her and the staff made them more than caregivers. They also became her extended family. This brought to Betty the security, comfort and peace of living her end of life journey in a place she came to call home. This is personally valued by each of her daughters and their families. Visitation will be Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with a vigil service at 5:30 p.m. led by Fr. Dick Mroz. Visitation will also be on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church in Channing. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the church. Fr. Raymond Valerio will preside. Burial will be in the Channing Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ross Hicks, Greg Hicks, Richard "Mike" Collins, Greg Larson, Christopher Larson, Andy Jauquet, and James Jauquet. Honorary pallbearers will be William B. Hall, James Hall, and Lee Patzer. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established Betty's memory. Condolences to the family of Betty Patzer can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with arrangements.

Betty Patzer

July 9, 1926 - July 9, 2008