Patricia D. Reider's Obituary
Patricia (“Duck”) Dahlstrom Reider, age 68, passed away unexpectedly on her birthday, September 26, 2016. Patty was everyone’s best friend and leaves behind her husband Rick; son, Benjamin (Alyssa Braafhart) Reider; her mother and step-father, Grace and John Church of Muskegon; step-sister, Sue Kellogg; and best friend, Linda Cline. Patty was preceded in death by her son, Thomas E. Boyd; father, Edmond; and brother, Randy Dahlstrom.
Patty was born in Muskegon on September 26, 1948 to Edmond and Grace (Roseboom) Dahlstrom. Patty attended Muskegon High School before going on to receive her BA and MA in Education at Western Michigan University. She returned to Muskegon and taught for 32 years with the Mona Shores School System at Hile and Ross Park Elementary. Patty loved to teach and had extreme compassion for her students and always made each one feel special in their own unique way.
Patty met her husband Rick while seeking legal advice in 1978 and later married on September 18, 1981. Patty and Rick found their special getaway in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, in the small town of Duck (where we are sure she is dancing or collecting seashells, or playing Scrabble with her son Tom). After several years of trying, Patty and Rick’s wish finally came true when they had their son Benjamin Patrick Reider on January 31, 1990. Patty, Rick, Tom, and Ben loved to travel together, especially to Duck, North Carolina. Patty was extremely devoted in supporting her children. She loved watching her son Tom pole vault at Reeths Puffer High School, where he still holds the record since 1995. She also loved supporting her son Ben while he attended DePauw University and Marquette University Law School.
After retiring in 2004, Patty could not resist her love for teaching and continued working in the Success Center at Muskegon Community College and volunteered at Mercy Hospital. She enjoyed her family, friends, all animals, boating, traveling, and walking. The happiness she brought to everyone she touched will be deeply missed.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM, October 1, 2016 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444, 231-798-1100 with the Pastor John H. Brown officiating. You are also invited to sign the family’s Online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com. Those desiring to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Pound Buddies Animal Shelter & Adoption Center, 1300 E. Keating Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442.
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia ?
Share a story where Patricia 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?