Patricia Lipinski

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Reflecting on the life of Pat Rykse, words such as selfless, loving, and compassionate come to mind, yet the word that is the most fitting word to describe her is faithful! She lived her life to the fullest, taking nothing for granted, and looking for the good in every person and situation. Her love of the Lord and her commitment to her family will be the legacies she leaves behind to her many special friends and loved ones.

Patricia Ann was born the youngest of four children to Gerald and Gertrude (Visser) Rykse on March 4, 1949, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Growing up on Arianna Street on the west side of town, Pat lived a typical childhood of the times. Her family were devoted members of West Leonard Christian Reformed Church where she grew her faith in her Lord and Savior at a young age. During her developing years, she spent a large amount of time with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins with both the Visser and Rykse families. As a result, family was very important to her throughout her life. As a family, they enjoyed summer vacations to cottages on inland lakes. Pat attended West Side Christian School and then went on to Grand Rapids Christian for High School. After graduation, she continued her education at Calvin and Grand Rapids Junior College.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of Don Lipinski. In her early teens, her family moved up the hill to a home her family built on Sprucewood. Her brother developed a friendship with the neighbor, Don. One day as Pat was driving from the family home, she caught Don’s eye. He called her up to invite her to coffee, yet since it was Good Friday, Pat asked him to go to church with her. Hitting it off right from the start, they met up again the following night and later they both attended the baptism service for Don's brother-in-law. Soon after, Don was called away to serve in the Army reserves. The happy couple were engaged in 1969, overlooking Lake Michigan at Don’s parent’s cottage. Don returned home long enough for their wedding on June 27, 1970, with a honeymoon to Estes Park, Colorado. Afterward, he left to fulfill his reserve obligations.

Once Don was discharged from duty, they shared an apartment for a short time before moving into their home on Remembrance Road where they would start their family. Together, they raised four children. Their growing family later moved to their home on 9 Mile. Pat always wanted what was best for her family. Just before their first child was born, Pat began working at Merchandise Equipment & Supply, the family business. Pat thrived as an office administrator there for a remarkable forty-nine years! She had a real knack for numbers, spreadsheets, and organization. She raised her kids while also working outside the home. As a result, the kids knew the shop as well, as they would even get dropped off from school there.

Pat lived her life with abundant energy. She juggled the business along with being a wonderful role model and mother to her children. In addition to managing the household duties, she remained a steadfast member of her church. She continued growing her faith and bringing her kids to church. They started at Highland Hills Baptist Church and later transferred to Remembrance Church. They enjoyed many family vacations together. Most often they were road trips to Traverse City or going up to the cabin, yet they also traveled to Florida on several occasions. Don and Pat also enjoyed many snowmobiling trips with their friends, including one that took them all the way to Alaska. Although she was always on the go, Pat was always present for her family. Above all else, they were her priority. Later, she was blessed with many grandchildren whom she adored. She loved going out for breakfast and planning lunches with them. Her grandchildren grew up sharing her love of ice cream! Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her family.

In 2002, she and Don moved into their home in Grand Haven. Pat was an active member at First Reformed Church where she enjoyed Bible studies as well as the Wednesday night children's programs. She continued working, but while traveling to and from work, she would regularly stop at her kids' houses and drop off fresh strawberries or apples during their harvest seasons. A favorite pastime was catching a sunset along the shores of Lake Michigan. Although there may have been plenty of things to complain about, Pat always filled her conversations with thankfulness, graciousness, and investing in others. Even in her last months, she often reflected that it was one of her best summers ever because she was able to spend so much time with her children and grandchildren. Her positive outlook often lifted the spirits of others when they needed it most. A genuine person with a heart of gold, Pat will be deeply missed. May her memories live on eternally in the hearts of the many close friends and loved ones she leaves behind.

Patricia Ann Lipinski, age 74, was called to her eternal home on December 28, 2023, and is now singing with the heavenly choir in the presence of her Lord and Savior. Pat’s deep love for Jesus showed through to all those around her.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Donald; their children Marsha & Jerry VanderSloot, Kristine & Dennis Lipinski-Worrell, Don & Crystal Lipinski, Kelly & Rich Zeck; grandchildren: Jakob, Levi and Samuel VanderSloot, Ali Lipinski, Hayley (Andrew) LeMieux, Dylan, Maddy, and Neveah Worrell, Josie and Jackson Lipinski, Tyler, and LilyAnn Zeck; sisters, Barbara VanEnk, Ruth (Ben) Mijuskovic; sister-in-law Martha Woodwyk; brother-in-law Doug (Judi) Lipinski as well as several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Pat was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Rykse; brother-in-law, Gord VanEnk; and sister-in-law, Marcia VanHouten.

Friends are invited to visit with her family on Thursday, January 4 from 4-7 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. The service to remember and celebrate her life will be held on Friday, January 5 at 11 AM at Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin Street, Hudsonville, where friends may also begin visiting at 10 AM. A luncheon will follow the service.

Her family suggests that instead of flowers, please consider a donation to Casa de Esperanza Ministries or make a donation to a Christian Education Tuition Assistance fund of your choice. To share a favorite story or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com