Karen Frances Patchett

Born on September 12, 1939, in Detroit, Karen was the daughter of Howard Hauck and Lottie Kuhn. She graduated from Royal Oak Dondero High School, where she developed a lifelong love of music through playing the violin. She was also a member of the swim team, cultivating the athleticism and competitive spirit that stayed with her throughout her life.

Karen met her future husband, Edward, on a bowling blind date arranged by mutual friends — and promptly beat his score that evening. It was the beginning of a loving 63-year marriage filled with laughter, devotion, and family. Together they built a warm and welcoming home centered around love, traditions, and togetherness.

Professionally, Karen worked as an Executive Assistant at Medtronic and Lear Seating Corporation, and later served as the bookkeeper for Edward’s business. Among other things, she was known for her beautiful penmanship, a reflection of the care and pride she brought to even the smallest details of life.

More than anything, Karen loved her family. Holidays, birthdays, vacations, card games, and simple evenings together brought her immense joy. She treasured every opportunity to gather with children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. Family was always the center of her world. She especially loved staying up late playing pinochle with Edward and family members, laughing together around the table long into the evening.

Music and togetherness were constants throughout Karen’s life. She and her sister, Arlene, often entertained family by singing duets while her brother Howard accompanied them on piano. Summers were spent at the family cabin on Lake Ogemaw, where Karen enjoyed pontoon boat rides and time with her beloved dog, Keko.

After retirement, Karen and Edward moved to the Orlando, Florida area, where they enjoyed many happy years surrounded by sunshine, close friends, neighborhood activities, church, and family visits. Karen volunteered in the community library, participated in line dancing, attended Bible study, and was an active member of the Red Hat Society. She and Edward also enjoyed working part-time at Universal Studios, where Karen was a cashier at various park outlets. One of her greatest pleasures was sharing the free park tickets they received with neighbors and visiting family members.

Following Edward’s passing in January 2024, Karen moved to Bickford Assisted Living in Midland to be closer to her growing family. She took enormous pride in her children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, speaking about them often to residents and staff. Nothing made her happier than visits from family. She loved playing Crazy 8s with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending musical performances and sing-alongs, watching Detroit Tigers games, and enthusiastically playing bingo — especially when she won.

Karen will be remembered for her warmth, loyalty, strong spirit, and unwavering love for her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a steady source of encouragement, humor, and kindness to those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; her parents Howard and Lottie; her sister, Arlene Dunn; her brother, Howard Hauck; and her grandson, Evan Patchett.

Karen is survived by her children, Pamela Durfee (Loren) of Midland, MI, Edward Patchett Jr. (Donna) of Reston VA, and Dennis Patchett (Deanna) of Dublin, OH; her grandchildren, Kendra Coston (Ben), Daniel Patchett, Mitchell Patchett (Salina), Amber Larson (Jonathan), Carter Patchett and Mia Patchett; as well as eight cherished great-grandchildren; Kylie, Olivia, Charlotte, Makenzie, Morgan, Madison, Wyatt and Tallulah.

Karen’s ashes will be interred alongside her husband this summer at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. A memorial service will be held at that time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Karen’s name may be made to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Online Donations - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital