Patricia Lynn Willick

1936 - 2024

Patricia Lynn "Pat" Willick, age 87, of Ludington, passed away Friday January 26, 2024. She was
born August 21, 1936, in Grand Haven to Carl and Margaret (Wachter) Berg. Pat graduated from
Grand Haven High School in 1954. After high school she studied Psychology at Western Michigan
University. She then went on to Michigan State University and finished at West Shore Community
College with a certificate in Child Development. On December 16, 1961, she married the love of
her life, Stub Willick, sharing 59 years of partnership. They settled in Ludington, became active in
United Methodist Church, and raised their family. Pat was employed at Mason County ISD for
many years and retired at age 55.
Pat dedicated her spare time to the community, volunteering at the church, leading girl and boy
scout troops, and assisting with Red Cross swimming lessons. She was a score keeper at OJ
DeJonge pool swim meets. After retirement, she was involved in various organizations, including
AFFEW and local nature clubs, reflecting her passion for mushroom forays, bird watching, and
environmental conservation. Together with Stub, she helped maintain the North Country Trail
and upheld a commitment to leave every place they visited cleaner than they found it. They filled
countless bags of garbage in their travels and during their 15-year tenure as Ludington State Park
camp hosts. Pat's zest for life extended to several outdoor adventures, including snowmobiling,
camping, biking, wild river rafting, wind surfing, and hiking. She cherished exploring new places
with Stub and embraced every opportunity for discovery. She loved foraying for mushrooms, bird
watching, swimming, and watching loons.
Pat will be greatly missed by her children, Kevin (Kris) Willick, of Scottville, Brenda (Al Osborn)
Merrifield of Spring Lake, Tammy (Kevin Johnson) Willick of Ludington, and Kelly (Mike) Johnson
of Ludington; her nine grandchildren, Mackenzie, Connor, Heather (Brad), Mike (Kelly), Dylan,
Jordyn, Samantha (Jared), Zachary (Mallory), and Luke (Paige); her five great-grandchildren,
Quinten, Stella, Mia, Amelia, and Cassian; her sister in-law, Mary Jane Wiegmink; and many
beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by
her husband Stub, her siblings, Thelma Boca, and Richard "Dick" and Sandra Berg.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM at United
Methodist Church of Ludington. Family will greet visitors starting at 10:00 AM. A luncheon and
further celebration of Pat will continue after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pat's name may be directed to United Methodist
Church of Ludington, 5910 E Bryant Rd, Ludington MI 49431 or Friends of Ludington State Park,
P.O. Box 123, Ludington MI 49431, or A Few Friends for the Environment of the World (AFFEW),
P.O. Box 177, Ludington MI 49431
Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington,
www.oakgroveludington.com.