Mr. John A. Patin, age 87, Sand Lake, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2011. He was raised on the family farm in Ensley Township where they had milk cows, pigs, and crops to feed the animals. John was the oldest of ten siblings, and they all worked on the farm. He left the farm at the age of 24 and purchased his farm where he has lived since 1949. His farm was his whole life. There were no hobbies; just the love of what God provided so he could make a living from the land. John was very devoted to his Catholic faith and attended Mass daily and every Sunday. As a young man and even later he was an altar server. John was very friendly and enjoyed visiting with folks. For over 50 years he was a member of the Newaygo Farm Bureau, serving in many capacities. For 26 years he was an Ensley Township trustee and was a member of the Ensley Township Farm Bureau. Throughout his lifetime, John was just amazed at the changes in farming, especially in the equipment. He was a member of Mary Queen of Apostles Catholic Church a Professed Member of Mary Queen of the Apostles Secular Franciscan Order, the Knights of Columbus, and the Holy Name Society. He is survived by the love of his life, best farm wife and helper whom he married on November 21, 1959, Rosie; brothers and sisters, Sister Mary Philip, OSF (Dolores Patin), Margaret and Henry Kalman, Frederick and Mary Lynn Patin, Sister Mary Phyllis, OSF (Elizabeth Patin), Peter and Carole Patin, Anthony and Patricia Patin; sister-in-law, Mrs. Marian Morrow; aunt, Agnes Patin, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Mary Patin, his siblings, Joseph (Ruth) Patin, Alfonso Patin, and Mary Louise Patin. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Patin will be offered on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Mary, Queen of the Apostles with The Rev. Joseph W. Kenshol and The Rev. Dennis Morrow presiding. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery. The Rosary was prayed on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave., SE, Ada, MI 49301.  Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Wednesday and prior to the Mass at the church on Thursday.
The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com