Patricia Uecker

Loving, generous, and kind, Patricia Uecker lived a life rich in faith, family, and fellowship. A woman who embodied the principles of her faith, Patricia welcomed each day as a gift and led with her heart and warm smile in all things. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Patricia will be long remembered and deeply missed.

Gerald and Ruth (DeVries) Bos welcomed their daughter Patricia to their family on August 22, 1947 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The youngest of six children, Patricia was twenty years younger than her eldest sibling. As a child, she grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids near Covell and Leonard streets. She attended Covell Elementary School and was called “Patty” during those years. Patricia's family was very involved at their church, 7th Reformed Church, which laid the firm foundation for a life of deep faith. Much of their social life in her younger years involved neighbors, family, and their church family.

Life forever changed when a mutual friend introduced Patricia to Larry Uecker. The pair began dating and set their hearts on sharing the future. On March 29, 1969, Patricia and Larry exchanged their marriage vows at Immanuel Lutheran Church, their church home for the remainder of their lives.

Patricia was delighted to gain Larry's two daughters, Susanne and Christine and the family grew to include two more children, Robert and Laurie. Patricia and Larry spent most of their married life at their home on Washtenaw, where Patricia dedicated her time and skills to caring for her family. With great love and attention to detail, she ensured meals were ready and supported her children in every way, and she organized things in a way that helped keep the household running smoothly. Patricia made special meals for holidays, and many remember the caramel corn she made and gave as gifts during the Christmas season. The family enjoyed camping in their pop-up trailer and took a few longer trips, including to the Canadian Rockies, San Francisco, and the East Coast. Bringing the same level of care to her faith community, Patricia volunteered her time and talents in a variety of ways, including helping at the annual booth Immanuel Church hosted for the Grand Rapids Festival. From faithful attendance, to involvement in Bible studies, Patrica modeled faith to their children and others.

When her children were older, Patricia worked at D&W's deli for many years, mainly at the Cascade store. In retirement, she and Larry enjoyed wintering a few months each year in Gulf Shores, where they made many friends. In quiet times at home, Patricia enjoyed reading, listening to music, counted cross-stitch, jigsaw puzzles, coloring and attending to her flowers.

After Larry passed away in January 2017, Patricia remained in her home and spent a great deal of time with her daughter, Laurie. Her final months were spent in the hospital trying to recover from open heart surgery. Despite these hardships, Patricia's kind heart and faith never wavered.

As we celebrate Patricia's beautiful, faith-centered life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy forward. In each moment we choose faith over fear, lead with our hearts, use our gifts and talents to serve others, enjoy a good book, cheer on our loved ones' endeavors, or gather with family and friends, we keep Patricia's memory alive and inspiring others as she inspired us.

Patricia Ann Uecker, age 77 of Grand Rapids, went home to be with her Lord on July 24, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Ruth (DeVries) Bos; her husband, Larry; granddaughter, Alyson Knenlein; and brothers and sisters: Randall Bos, Arlene Ostman, Irvin Bos, and Donna Schouten.

Patricia is survived by her children: Robert (Natalie) Uecker, Laurie Uecker, Susanne Uecker-Coleman, Christine Uecker; grandchildren: Alicia (Devon) Weaver, Joseph Bertram, Ashley Coleman, Daniel (Rebecca) Knenlein, Ethan Uecker; and 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Kathy) Bos; and sister-in-law Lois Uecker; and several nieces and nephews.

The service to celebrate Patricia's life will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2 Michigan Street NE, where friends are invited to visit with her family beginning at 10 AM. Interment to follow in Restlawn Cemetery in Holland. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Immanuel Lutheran Church.