Patrick Phalen

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died July 3, 2008

Patrick Phalen, age 80, of 5137 CR 420 21st Road, Gladstone, died Thursday evening July 24, 2008 at home surrounded by his family following a lengthy illness.
Patrick was born April 4, 1928 in Nahma the son of David P. and Rose M. (Martin) Phalen. He was raised in Nahma where he was a 1945 graduate of the Nahma High School. Following graduation he served in the U.S. Navy until the end of WW II and he continued to serve his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves until 1954.

Upon returning from the war he had worked for the American Playground Company for 5 years and for 34 years for Mead Paper Company, retiring in 1990.

Patrick was united to the former Rita Newberry on July 2, 1949 at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Nahma. They made their home in Gladstone where they raised their four children. Patrick was a member of the Rapid River American Legion Post #301. His hobbies included hunting, trapping and working on his beautiful yard. Most important of all was he loved and enjoyed his relationship with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed.

In addition to his wife Rita, survivors include:

3 daughters: Vicki (Dave) Ottensman of Gladstone; Sandy (Mike) Webber of Spalding; Judy Hoffman of Iron Mountain, MI

1 son: Brian (Sandy) Phalen of Brooksville, FL

3 brothers: Clint (Mary) Phalen of Pleasant Hill, CA; Mike (Rae) Phalen of Monte Carlo, CA; David (Barb) Phalen of Gladstone

2 sisters: Peggy (Richard) DePuydt of Lake Havasu, AZ; Rosie Beauchamp of Nahma

12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 great granddaughters, Naydeen Chouinard, Janice Landers and Lily Hess and 3 great grandsons.

Private graveside services will be held on Saturday at 12:00 noon at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt of the First Lutheran Church officiating. Rapid River American Legion Military Rites will follow the graveside services. Patrick

0 Tributes for “Patrick Phalen

    Rita and family
    Trust you will find comfort and strength in the many good memories that Pat left with each of you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Mike and Wray
    Diamond Springs, CA

    I remember you taught me how to tie my shoes and showed me how to whistle. My sisters and I would take turns standing on your feet & dancing to old records. I use to kiss your bald head and you would give us airplane rides to bed. Riding on the back of your lawn mower in the summer…the smell of cucumbers from the garden and fresh cut grass still makes me close my eyes and think of grandmas & grandpas..You have givin me the happiest memories, and I stand proud to say I’m part of you and the wonderful family you & grandma have created! I love you and miss you so much it hurts! 🙁

    ~Junie~

    June Ann
    Kingsford, MI

    To my beloved grandfather. You are forever in my thoughts and heart. I remember you always being like an everyday Saint Nick. You had a joveal persnality with heartfelt laugh. I will forever remember you strong bear like hugs and your gracious smile. I love you dearly. Always your grandaughter Becky Lynn

    Rebecca Lynn Chouinard
    Wichita Falls, TX

    Dear Aunt Rita, My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your husband–he was such a really nice guy. I enjoyed talking with both of you so much. Love, Beth Ann Royer (formerly Hardwick)

    Beth Ann Royer
    Escanaba, MI

    My condolences to your entire family. I remember Mr. Phalen when I was growing up a couple of houses down the street. He was a great man.

    Ken Gustafson
    Huntsville, AL

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