Obituary: Patricia Willick, 87, of Ludington

Pat Willick

Obituary: Patricia Willick, 87, of Ludington

Patricia Lynn “Pat” Willick, 87, of Ludington, passed away Friday January 26, 2024.   She was born August 21, 1936, in Grand Haven to Carl and Margaret (Wachter) Berg.  Pat graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1954. After high school she studied psychology at Western Michigan University. She then went on to Michigan State University and finished at West Shore Community College with a certificate in child development.  On December 16, 1961, she married the love of her life, Stub Willick, sharing 59 years of partnership.  They settled in Ludington, became active in United Methodist Church, and raised their family.  Pat was employed at Mason-Lake Intermediate School District for many years and retired at age 55.   

Pat dedicated her spare time to the community, volunteering at the church, leading Girl Scouts and Boy Scout troops, and assisting with American Red Cross swimming lessons. She was a score keeper at Donald Baldwin Community Pool swim meets. After retirement, she was involved in various organizations, including AFFEW and local nature clubs, reflecting her passion for mushroom forays, bird watching, and environmental conservation. Together with Stub, she helped maintain the North Country Trail and upheld a commitment to leave every place they visited cleaner than they found it. They filled countless bags of garbage in their travels and during their 15-year tenure as Ludington State Park camp hosts. Pat’s zest for life extended to several outdoor adventures, including snowmobiling, camping, biking, wild river rafting, wind surfing, and hiking. She cherished exploring new places with Stub and embraced every opportunity for discovery. She loved foraying for mushrooms, bird watching, swimming, and watching loons.

Pat will be greatly missed by her children, Kevin (Kris) Willick, of Scottville, Brenda (Al Osborn) Merrifield of Spring Lake, Tammy (Kevin Johnson) Willick of Ludington, and Kelly (Mike) Johnson of Ludington; her nine grandchildren, Mackenzie, Connor, Heather (Brad), Mike (Kelly), Dylan, Jordyn, Samantha (Jared), Zachary (Mallory), and Luke (Paige); her five great-grandchildren, Quinten, Stella, Mia, Amelia, and Cassian; her sister in-law, Mary Jane Wiegmink; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her husband Stub, her siblings, Thelma Boca, and Richard “Dick” and Sandra Berg.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church of Ludington. Family will greet visitors starting at 10 a.m.  A luncheon and further celebration of Pat will continue after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pat’s name may be directed to United Methodist Church of Ludington, 5910 E Bryant Rd, Ludington MI 49431 or Friends of Ludington State Park, P.O. Box 123, Ludington MI 49431, or A Few Friends for the Environment of the World (AFFEW), P.O. Box 177, Ludington MI 49431

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.oakgroveludington.com.