Patricia Kay Oberlin, age 82, of Gladstone, passed away Monday morning, November 15, 2021 at U.P. Health System – Marquette. She was born on March 1, 1939 in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Clyde Vernon and Fern (Fishell) Tubbs. At the young age of two, Patricia was adopted and raised by her grandparents, Roy and Edna May Fishell. Patricia was a graduate of Lansing High School and went on to attend Lansing Community College. On May 17, 1957, the former Patricia Fishell married Dave Lee Oberlin in Angola, IN and he preceded her in death on January 18, 2020. Together, the couple shared 62 years of marriage. Dave and Pat traveled throughout the U.S. working in the hotel and restaurant business while also raising their family of six. They mostly worked in the Upper Peninsula, Las Vegas, Chicago, Reno, NV, and later moved to Escanaba in 1999. At this time, she began working at various restaurants in the area beginning with Big Boy, then the House of Ludington along with the Swedish Pantry. She then retired from the Swedish Pantry at the age of 79 after working as a waitress in the restaurant industry for 63 years. Patricia greatly enjoyed spending time with her family and looked forward to family game nights. She also found joy in crocheting and cross stitching. She used her talents to make lap blankets and donated many to the residents at Bishop Noa Home. Patricia also enjoyed working on abstract paintings.
She is survived by her sons, Jeff (Anjie) Marks of Tulsa, OK, Mike Oberlin of Menominee, MI, and Wes (Janice) Oberlin of Kingsford, MI; daughters, Sue (Brad) Johnson of Baraga, MI, Renee (Pat) Nokes of Iron Mountain, MI, and Michelle (Darren) Wilbee of Gladstone; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she preceded in death by two grandsons, James Oberlin and Michael Ward, Jr.; great-granddaughter, Aubrey Joy Oberlin; brother, Melvin; and sister, Marilynn Jean.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Patricia will follow at 6:00 p.m., Friday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor David Shaffer officiating. A luncheon will be held at the conclusion of the services in the Anderson Funeral Home reception room. Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery.
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