Patricia Lou Stegmeier

Patricia Lou (Palmatier) Stegmeier, passed away on August 7, 2023, at home surrounded by family. She was born in Grand Rapids 94 years ago. She was preceded in death earlier this year by her dear husband Jack, and previously by her parents Dan and Irene Palmatier, and sister Dona-Jean Souter.

Patricia was the last of her generation in this extended family. Her eyes were as blue as Forget-me-nots, and her memory will be treasured by her children Georgia (Brad) Donovan, Jeff (Cindy) Stegmeier, Mary (Jim) Hefferan, John Stegmeier; grandchildren Joe Donovan, Nicole (Jason Griffith) Stegmeier, Stephanie (Osama) Al-Haymi, McKenzie (Adam) Weber, Casey Hefferan, Rocket Hefferan (Shelby Freeman); two great-grandchildren Zayn and Zoey, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as her friendly helpers Kathy Mollema and Andrea Gomez.

Pat grew up in the north end of Grand Rapids in a time when her grandfather would visit by taking the streetcar to Knapp and Plainfield, and then walk the rest of the way, letting Patty help him in their garden. People had cars, but ice and bread were still delivered by horse-drawn wagons in the 1930’s. Pat got a bike, and loved riding around their Cheshire neighborhood. Her family bought a ping-pong table, and their home became a gathering place for friends, where they could test their skills against Ping-Pong Patty. From her father, a Lion’s Club Tail-twister, she learned a love of language, and at Creston High School excelled at speech and debate. She loved to sing too, was in a group called the Sextet, and in every theatrical play at school. Her first job was as a soda-jerk at Joppe’s Ice Cream on Plainfield.

Patricia went to GR Junior College, then MSU, and taught speech and debate at Union High School. Meanwhile, Jack Stegmeier lived right down the road, and she was friends with his sisters. He brought her chocolates, and though he probably never won at ping-pong, he won her heart. Dating involved movies, dances, and actually, ice-fishing. Over the years he turned out to be a good supplier of fish, and everything else. They were married in 1952, and in a few years built a house on Leffingwell, a dirt road considered way out in the country. Their four children were very lucky to live on 20 wild acres, with fields and woods to roam in. In fact, she sent them outside a lot! She always had cookies or brownies baked when they returned, and wanted to hear about their new discoveries. After sliding parties in the winter, she warmed many a cold, soggy child with hot cocoa. She was a great mom.

Pat was very active in school and community activities. Her mother had been involved that way, and she learned volunteerism from her, also setting a good example for the next generation. Over the years she was able to help at Orchard View Elementary, frequently as a room mother, on the PTA, and handled the animal room at the school carnival. For years, she drove for the Welcome Home for the Blind, sold cards for UNICEF, and helped with Second Congregational Church Circle projects. Probably her most important work was for the Red Cross Blood Drives because of her warm and friendly ability to talk to strangers.

Pat and Jack were great partners, and his success was supported by her strong home-team efforts. Many shirts were ironed, with the old-fashioned phone cradled on her shoulder. Delicious meals were on the table every night, usually including mashed potatoes. She looked good and had the best hair-do for miles! Pat was a good sport, going along with Jack on adventures like fishing and camping with young children. Often this involved the terror of crossing the Mackinac Bridge. On car trips she led the family in sing-a-longs. Favorites were Mitch Miller and musicals: South Pacific, Sound of Music, and the Music Man. Her kids still know all the words. Pat and Jack were able to enjoy many happy years of retirement together. They travelled to Germany and England, and spent weekends with the family at the cottage on Gifford Lake. They had fun at their condo on Sanibel Island, watching birds at Ding Darling, or splitting a lunch on the picnic table at Tarpon Bay. They shared good adventures with simple tastes, a recipe that worked for them for 70 years. Lately Mom just wanted someone to hold her hand, so we did. We hope Jack is holding her now in Heaven.

Please join us in a celebration of her life on Wednesday, August 16 at Second Congregational Church, 525 Cheshire NE, Grand Rapids. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a funeral service immediately following at 1:00 p.m.

For memorials donations in her memory, please consider her church, or the Grand Rapids Kidsfoodbasket.org.