Patricia Holli

Patricia was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on May 5, 1937, a daughter of the late Elmer and Elma (Helstein) Heikkila. Patt lived a full and vibrant life. After graduating from Ishpeming High School in 1955, she worked for the Miner’s First National Bank where she met many of her lifelong friends. She recalled many of the shenanigans and fun times the girls at the bank had, including attending annual parties on Grand Island and the adventures of getting to and from the island. After Miner’s First National Bank and some time at home raising the family, she worked at Holli Forest Products for 15 years. She learned to operate the early computer accounting IBM Systems 23 for Holli Forest Products.

On June 20, 1959, she married the love of her life, David Holli. She worked to help him finish his degree at MTU. After living in Wisconsin for a couple of years, they returned to Ishpeming to start and raise their family. Being a mother and grandmother is where Patt shined the brightest. She had a gift for cooking, cleaning, and nurturing children. Her love for entertaining and baking was enjoyed by all who knew her. If there was a party, she’d have the recipe and the secret ingredients to match.

Her love of games educated all the grandkids in counting and arithmetic. The grandkids’ special memories of grandma include her playing cards and dolls, lifeguarding down on the dock at camp, making her special white pancakes with clear syrup, and always having all their favorite snacks on hand. She attempted to attend every performance and sporting event at which her grandkids participated.

Patt kept up with her friends, meeting monthly for “club” to play cards, share stories, and lean on one another. She was a spiritual woman involved in the Martha Circle at Bethel Lutheran Church. Patt and Dave were avid travelers and especially remember cheering on the USA at the Winter Olympics in Austria, Norway, and Lake Placid. They took their entire family to family reunions in Finland where many lasting memories were made.

Intentional in everything she did and said, Patt is remembered by her family as being a good listener, strong, classy, and having a gratitude for life in all things close to her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Patt is survived by her husband David Holli, whom she married on June 20, 1959, two children; James (Kim) Holli and Julie (Todd) Penrose, five grandchildren; Jessica (Justin) Brousseau, Jaclyn (Dave Ellis) Holli, Joshua (Veronica Vega) Penrose, Matthew Penrose and Alexandra Villalon, great granddaughter Sloan Brousseau, two brothers; Harlen (Einona) Heikkila and Warren (Stephanie Nelson) Heikkila, sisters-in-law; Betsy Holli and Marilyn (Samuli) Savolainen, along with many dear nieces and nephew.

Patt was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Elma Heikkila, a daughter at birth, in-laws, Walfred and Sylvia Holli and brother-in-law Melvin Holli.

Patt’s family will greet relatives and friend from 9:30 am – 11:00 am on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming where her Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am with Rev. Tim Johnston.

A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Memorial considerations may be directed to the Trillium House 1144 Northland Dr. Marquette, MI 49855 or Bethel Lutheran Church Endowment Fund 333 E. Ridge St. Ishpeming, MI 49849 in memory of Pat.

Pat’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.