Patrick Michael "Pat" Cole

Patrick “Pat” Michael Cole, age 72, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, after courageously facing many health challenges. Born on February 26, 1954, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late George and Edna (Koller) Cole, Pat married his childhood sweetheart and best friend, Patricia Lianne Mann, on July 23, 1976, at Woodward Avenue Baptist Church. He devoted more than 43 years of his working life to Di-Anodic Finishing Company, retiring in 2019.

In his younger years Pat enjoyed golfing, playing softball, and bowling, yet nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his family. A proud grandfather, he cherished every moment with his children and grandchildren. A man of deep faith, he served the Lord faithfully for many years, volunteering in numerous capacities at his church. Though he sometimes presented a grumpy exterior, it was merely a cover for his large and tender heart.

Pat is survived by his wife of nearly fifty years, Patty; his children, Patrick (Michelle) Cole Jr., Kristen (Phil Van Kuiken) Cole, Pauline Hung, Casey (Kristin) Cole, and Josh (Britney) Cole; grandchildren Alex, Molly, Megan, Macey, Nalla, Garrett, and Jay; great-grandson Malakai; brother Richard (Laura) Cole; sisters Patricia (Dave) Wise and Beverly Cole (Dan); sisters-in-law Barb (Roy) Hudson, Sandy Tripp (Herb), and Carol (Mark) Condon; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, sister Linda (Richard) Bartrum, brother James Cole, and brothers-in-law Lionel Mann and Ron Tripp.