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Patricia Ann Coles

July 31, 1953 -
March 17, 2018

Patricia Ann (nee Kilsdonk) Coles went home to the place that Jesus prepared for her (John 14:2) on March 17, 2018, after a brave four-year battle with brain cancer.

Born in Appleton, Wisconsin to Norbert Francis and Mary Frances (Vander Wielen) Kilsdonk on July 31, 1953, the fourth of ten children, Patsy was raised in the Dutch community of nearby Little Chute.  She graduated from St. John’s High School in 1971, then attended and graduated in 1975 from Edgewood College in Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies, where she was class president.  She continued her education in graduate programs at Marquette University in Milwaukee and Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois.

Pat met her husband Dave at Marquette, where she worked as a financial aid administrator and he was a Navy ROTC instructor.  Together, they raised two children, Shaula and David Patrick.

Pat was a gifted artist and writer.  She won “Best in Show” for her submission to a local art contest and presented gifts of portraits and other artwork to family members and friends.  She is listed in the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) for a small role she had in a film created by students at Trinity, where she worked in the financial aid department.  She loved to design, create, and paint sets and backdrops for Vacation Bible School and various plays and programs at Packard Road Baptist Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, including a life-sized backdrop for Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” for a living Last Supper Maundy Thursday observance. More recently, she was a guest columnist for the Kenosha News’s “My Turn”, writing her column for almost a year.

Pat’s proudest accomplishments were those of her children, whom she raised with her husband mostly in Ann Arbor.  A devoted mother, she homeschooled her children through middle school, while working as a proofreader for Servant Publications, and as a kindergarten aide, academic advisor and Bible teacher at Washtenaw Christian Academy in the neighboring community of Saline.  Pat also taught Sunday school at Packard Road Baptist Church for many years to almost all age groups, her favorite being young singles, and rejoiced over wedding announcements and visits that she received from her former students over the subsequent years.

In 2003 God graciously and providentially returned her to full-time work exactly where she left off, as a financial aid administrator at Spring Arbor (Michigan) University.  She rejoined her husband in Pleasant Prairie in 2005 after a brief work-forced separation, and joined the financial aid staff at Carthage College in Kenosha.  She later joined the financial aid staff at world-renowned Trinity International University, where she served as the Director of Financial Aid from 2010 to 2014, when she was diagnosed with her illness.

Pat is survived by Dave, her husband of 34 years; daughter Shaula (Douglas) Hutt of Jackson, MI; son David Patrick (Daniella) Coles of Waco, TX; grandchildren Kaetlynn, Logan, Liliana, and Ada Hutt; siblings Frank (Liz) Kilsdonk of Sun Prairie;  Joann (Dom DeLeo) Kilsdonk of Wellesley, MA; Mary (Paul) Malischke of Madison; Judy (Mark) Stegman of Littleton, CO; Janet Kilsdonk of Madison; Sue (John) Danielson of Frisco, TX; Betty (Ted De Maria) Kilsdonk of Boulder, CO; Tom (Beverly) Kilsdonk of Sunnyvale, CA; and Barb (Nate) Thompson of DePere; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Service Info

Pat was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a long-time member of Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church, 12323 Greenbay Road, Pleasant Prairie, WI, where a celebration of her life will be observed on Saturday, March 24 at 3:00 p.m.

  • Posted by:
    Chris Golen

    A loving and talented Christian lady - she inspired us all at Packard Road Baptist Church. I smile knowing she is in the presence of our Savior. Prayers of peace and comfort to Dave and family.

  • Posted by:
    Martha Hayes

    I knew Pat, Dave, Shaula and David from AACS. Pat and I connected the last few years on FB and I enjoyed her articles. Please know that cherished memories of your family remain with us. Because of God’s grace we will meet again.??

  • Posted by:
    Lois Taylor

    I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that the resurrection hope held out to all at John 5;28,29 and the promise of sicknesses being eliminated bring family and other loved ones a measure of comfort. Please visit JW.ORG for more comfort from God's Word.

  • Posted by:
    Anne Hill

    My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. At (Song of Solomon 8:6) it states "...Love is as strong as death..." May your fond memories prove true to that fact. Also, may the promises found in God's word the Bible, comfort all hearts, by its words of truth. (John 5:28-29) ~ (Psalms 37:9-11) ~ (Hosea 13:14) ~ (Revelation 21:3-5) ~ (Psalm 83:18)

  • Posted by:
    Sheri Kerr

    Pat, you are a beautiful lady inside and out. You are an inspiration to us all. I am very honored to know you. You will be missed by all. We love you.

  • Posted by:
    Henk Guerden

    It was a shock to read that she passed away last Saturday. Patsy ment more to me than just a far away relative. I met her so many years ago when she and her sisters Janet and Betty visited Holland and stayed with me and my wife Dorie in our house. I have a picture from that time with all of us. So young , with the future to come. We wrote a lot of letters as she was very interested in our way of life and the history - especially WW II - in Holland. Patsy was verry special. I really hope she did not suffered a lot. Now the Lord will take care of her and our prayers will go with her. Dave, my deepest codoleances to you and your family and much strength in this difficult time. Henk Geurden Rosmalen Holland

  • Posted by:
    Barb

    What a journey God prepared for Pat to travel! Her time on earth prepared her for her final home. I am privileged to have been a small part of her journey, while she was at Spring Arbor University. I am blessed for having to opportunity to get to know her.

  • Posted by:
    Amanda Cousino

    I remember Pat fondly as a member of the team at Washtenaw Christian Academy. She had a quiet strength and wisdom about her, which exemplified her relationship with her Lord and Savior. She loved her family and was devoted to them. Dave and family, I am so sorry for your loss, and pray that you may find joy as you reflect on favored memories.

  • Posted by:
    Matt Friese

    Dave and Family, I just want you to know, although I am on the other side of the earth, I am grieving with you your (ours too) loss and celebrating her victory in Christ! "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 1 Cor 15:55 - All of 1 Corinthians 15 is so powerful and states we have a confidence that for believers it is not death to die. The perishable has been laid aside and given the garments that are imperishable. Again, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord! This is most certainly not goodbye, but soon, we too will join her! This life is but a mist and no one gets off this earth alive. Still, my heart is heavy for all of you and so wish I could be there with you! May the presence of our Lord give you a peace that surpasses understanding! So thankful God will love you in ways I can't - even if I was there. Love to all of you! Matt

  • Posted by:
    Andexler Family

    Dave, David, Shaula and family, we grieve with you. Please know that Patsy Coles will be deeply missed by all of us. Her laugh, stories, hugs and warm friendship. But most importantly, her love for Jesus and those around her. She has impacted so many of us. We will see her again soon. In turn we carry her spirit with us to care for all, to enjoy life and share Christ with all. Condolences from the Andexler’s.

  • Posted by:
    Karen McDonald

    I am so blessed to have known such a beautiful person. I love you, Pat. To Dave and Pat's family and loved ones - you are in my thoughts and prayers. We will miss her genuine concern for others, selfless acts and loving smile.

  • Posted by:
    Beth

    Pat was graciously my customer for many years. I became close to her after she shared her life ups and downs. I cried with her the day she had to have her hair shaved off. I prayed for her recovery and health. I now know that she's in God's hand safe and with no pain. We will see each other again sometime. Until then I will miss you?

  • Posted by:
    Jody Reynolds

    Dave, and family. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed. She was a pleasure so watch even from a distance as she battled this disease and listen to her heart as she blogged. God bless you all. Shaula if we in the Financial Aid Office can be of any help to you here locally, please feel free to let us know. We are not that far away. Jody Reynolds Financial Aid Office Spring Arbor University.