Pat Feenstra

Pat Feenstra was a genuine person through and through. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother she savored the time she spent with her growing family over the years. Pat lived her life to the fullest by working hard to provide for the family she loved. Her legacy as a teacher touched the lives of countless students over the years. Generous, reliable, and humble, she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The 1940s were characterized by WWII. By 1948, the first affordable prefab homes were being built in the U.S. to solve the growing needs of the baby boomers. That same year, Patricia Louise was born the oldest child in her family on June 19th. Later joined by her sister, Ruth, and brother, Dennis, her childhood was filled with many happy and memorable moments.

Pat was raised with a strong foundation of faith at the Second Christian Reformed Church and attended Kalamazoo Christian Schools. Her father managed the truck division of a local tire company in Kalamazoo, and her mother was a homemaker and 4H club sewing instructor. Growing up on Truman Street, Pat lived a typical childhood of the times. She and her sister took piano lessons and enjoyed participating in 4H. She was always a good student and remained active during her school years as a member of the Teachers Club and secretary of her senior class. As a teen, she worked at Meijer in the bakery and at Western Distilled Water. Pat proudly graduated with the Class of 1966 from Kalamazoo Christian High School. With a strong interest in becoming an educator, she enrolled at Calvin College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. She later went on to receive her Master’s degree in Education from Grand Valley State College.

While attending Calvin, Pat was introduced to Wayne Feenstra by a mutual friend. The two of them spent their first date going out to dinner and the rest was history! During the two years they were dating, Pat accepted her first teaching job with Holland Christian Schools. During her winter break, they joined in marriage on December 17, 1971. The newlyweds enjoyed a small church reception and honeymooned in Florida before returning to work. They were eager to settle into their apartment in Wayne’s "Aunt’s" home on Crosby Street NW. Just three years later, they purchased their forever family home on Leonard Street NW where they remained for fifty wonderful years. Together, Pat and Wayne raised three children; Matt, Meribeth, and Katie.

Pat relished her role as a mother. Motherhood professionally derailed her from her teaching career for a few years so that she could take care of her children. Pat enjoyed being active in their lives and never missed a special event or school function during their growing years. As a family, they spent the summer months camping at Ludington and Interlochen state parks. They also attended many church camps and activities over the years. Pat was immensely proud of her children’s many successes and accomplishments. She and Wayne ensured they had everything they needed and sacrificed to send them to Christian schools. Her children never doubted her love for them.

When she returned to teaching, she gave her all to her students. She worked for a time at Grand Rapids Baptist Academy (later named Northpointe) and eventually retired from Grand Rapids Public Schools. Pat was always a warm, welcoming, presence to her students. She valued their differences and wanted nothing but the best for each and every one of them. She left an impact on her student’s lives as well as their personal journeys of faith. Pat also taught Sunday School and Wednesday AWANA club. Her storytelling talents were put to good use during Bible Studies and she was a dedicated member of the Missions board. One project was knitting squares for orphans in Romania for the ministry “Love From Above”. Pat enjoyed giving her time and resources to others in need.

Her life was made richer when she was blessed with grandchildren. She enjoyed spending quality time with them and would always accept their invitations to school events. They loved coming over to do crafts as well as sleepovers. Pat lived her life as a positive role model to young people throughout her years. She cherished the small peaceful moments as well as the large, loud gatherings. As long as her family was together, her heart was content. She always kept her family in her daily prayers.

For enjoyment, she and Wayne enjoyed spending their winter months in their Bonita Pines condominium in Florida. They met many special friends there and were thrilled when their dear friends, Tom and Marilyn Wolma, joined them down there for several winters. They became regulars at the Peppermill for breakfast and spent many evenings taking in a sunset. Pat was a passionate reader. She was known to read many books and shared a love of editing her loved one’s projects over the years. She never let go of her ability to teach. Described as faithful, loving, and selfless, Pat leaves the world a better place. She shared many of the wondrous gifts of her life with her beautiful family. May they always live their lives as a reflection of her steadfast compassion for others and may her warm memories live on in their hearts forever.

Patricia Louise Feenstra, age 75, entered her heavenly home to be with her Savior Jesus Christ, on September 1, 2023. Pat was born June 19, 1948, in Kalamazoo, MI to the late Jack and Alberta (VandeStreek) Koetje. She was a longtime member of Highland Hills Baptist Church. Pat taught elementary ages with Holland Christian, and Grand Rapids Baptist Academy (Northpointe), and retired from Grand Rapids Public Schools. She loved sewing, knitting, and making quilts. Pat loved serving the Lord through storytelling and teaching “Cubbies” in the AWANA program, but most of all she loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. On December 17, 1971, she married Wayne Feenstra. Her husband of 52 years survives and their children, Matthew (Amber) Feenstra, Meribeth (Seth) Anderson, Katie (Todd) Mattera; grandchildren, Reaghan, Levi, Braeden, Chloe, Luke, Liam, Cora, and Jace. Also surviving are her siblings, Ruth and Gordon VanDalen, Dennis and Ronda Koetje; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 11 AM at Highland Hills Baptist Church, 1415 Northrup Ave NW. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 2-4 or 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, and beginning at 10 AM at church. The interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Highland Hills Baptist Church Mission Fund. To leave a memory or condolence please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.