Patricia Lee Trudgen

Age 78, of Lansing, MI, formerly of Haslett

Born July 30, 1945, in Malden, Missouri

Died December 28, 2023, in Lansing, Michigan

Survived by daughters Kathleen R (Todd C) Young, Kristeen A (Christopher) Christensen; grandchildren, Kurtis (Erin) Young, Kelvin (Sara) Young, Jessica Mondoskin, Johnathon Mondoskin, Nicholas Christensen; great-granddaughter, Ophelia Young; sisters-in-law, Lana Clary, Eileane Clary, Pamela Insalaco; and several dear nephews and sweet nieces.

Preceded in death by her beloved parents, John M. and Bertha Clary; best friend and husband, Roger W. Trudgen; and protective and loving brothers, Donald Clary and Johnny Clary.

Born in Missouri, Pat spent her younger days helping her parents and two brothers on their farm. Pat’s parents came from large families, each being one of twelve children, so there were many cousins with which to make fond memories. Her brothers relentlessly teased her as she was the only girl and baby of the family. She loved to tell stories of their antics while picking cotton on their farm in the boot-heel region of Missouri. From her parents she developed a genuine green thumb. This green thumb and love of gardening remained with her throughout her entire life. Most recently, she raved about the growth of her sweet potato vine in her apartment sprouted directly from a sweet potato.

In her tween years her parents moved the family to Flint, Michigan, for work. While attending Kearsley High School, Pat twirled baton as a Majorette in the band. Many friends and relatives talked about Pat’s zest for life. To many that knew her, Pat was described as fun, full of life, and a spitfire. Those that knew her VERY well were not surprised she had been voted Senior Class Clown for her graduating class of 1963.

On August 13, 1966, Pat married Roger W. Trudgen. He was the love of her life, her best friend, and her partner in crime. After they were married, Roger was stationed in Germany with the US Army. They often traveled in The Alps region when Roger was on leave. In 1969 they returned home to Michigan with an expensive souvenir from their time overseas – their first-born daughter, Kathleen. After their years in the service, she worked to help Roger earn a degree in business from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). Their early graduation gift was their youngest daughter, Kristeen.

Pat worked hard her entire life. Even before her girls were born, Pat worked in credit unions. She loved working with both colleagues and members. Pat retired from LAFCU in 2006, where she served in various departments. She also served as Union Steward for a time representing her peers in OPEIU Local 459. Even in retirement, Pat continued to serve others. She offered comfort to patients and their families as a Volunteer in the Surgical Lounge at Sparrow Hospital.

Several summers Pat and Roger hosted an annual Fourth of July gathering at their home in Haslett, MI. Their hospitality welcomed friends and neighbors to feel just like family. There was fun for all ages, including traditions with watermelon seeds (bonus points if you could make them stick to your opponent’s skin)!

In their younger years Pat and Roger coordinated multi-day canoe trips with family and friends. Annual family vacations were spent at their favorite Michigan State Park near Onaway, MI. There is no secret in knowing Pat’s pride and joy was her children and grandchildren. She was happiest when her family was all together. Pat would share her love of camping with the younger generation at their annual “Grandma Camp” every summer including all who wished to join. Together they cherished time around the campfire playing chubby bunnies or on rainy days playing “Pass the Pig.” Traditions changed due to Pat’s physical limitations. Weekly Saturday morning shopping trips allowed youngest grandson, Nicholas, to pilot Grandma T. on the store’s amigo! In February 2023, Pat welcomed her first Great-Grandchild, Ophelia Young.

Pat loved people. She connected with people of all ages and all backgrounds. Together with Roger, they celebrated friendship with a monthly Euchre party for many years. They rode and volunteered with Tri-County Bicycle Association (TCBA) serving in a variety of roles. Pat continued her dedication with her bicycle family even after Roger’s death serving several years as Ride Coordinator on the 4-Day West Route for the annual DALMAC.

Pat loved Jesus and was a member of Holt Christian Church. If truth be told, (Jesus already knew) she REALLY looked forward to after church for lunch with her girls and their families.

In the last three years, Pat developed fast friendships at her residence at Delta Retirement Center with staff and residents. From participating in activities, playing “Farkle”, or dashing to medical appointments, Pat leaves a distinctive impression on the hearts and minds of those around her.

She never met a stranger because strangers quickly became friends. Pat is a one-of-a-kind with great humor and a generous heart. She was fiercely loved and will be fiercely missed.

Services will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Holt Christian Church, 2424 Washington Rd., Lansing, MI 48911. There will be a visitation one hour before.

The family requests donations be made to the American Lung Association in Pat’s memory. http://www.lung.org/

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.