Al and Pat Olofsson
Pat was born on February 8, 1930, in Alma, Michigan. She grew up nearby, in Crystal, Michigan. Her father, Alfred Newburg owned Newburg Hardware and her mother, Kathryn, was a school teacher. Pat attended Alma college, was a cheerleader, met her lifelong friend, Phylis Irwin, who was a fellow student and then, was introduced to the love of her life, Al Olofsson, all attending Alma College. Pat and Al were married in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 28, 1950. They settled in Lansing, Michigan, Al began working for his family business, Olofsson Corporation and Pat became involved in civic activities, as well as participating in the social and travel aspects of Olofsson Corporation, her input was vital. She was a President of the Lansing Junior League and a long participator in The Saint Lawrence Hospital Guild. She was a room mother in her daughters’ classrooms and volunteered with the PTA and school fundraisers. She enjoyed cross-stitch, was a voracious reader, a great golf caddy, and a renowned shopper!
Al was born March 20, 1929, in East Lansing, Michigan. His father owned and was President of their family business, Olofsson Tool and Die, later known as Olofsson Corporation in Lansing, Mi. Al attended Georgia Military Academy and Alma College, where he met the love of his life, Patricia Newburg. They were married in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 28, 1950. They settled in Lansing and he began working full time for Olofsson Corporation, later assuming the role of President.
After Olofsson Corporation was sold in the 1980s, Pat and Al retired, moving permanently to Burt Lake and then Harbor Springs. Their life continued to include the many friendships they created during their years traveling and in business, enjoying their daughters, their families, and grandchildren, including all in boating trips, many organized through Walstrom Marine, vacations with family, creating a learning environment full of adventures and fun for her beloved grandchildren. Pat was a member of The Harbor Springs Women’s Club for many years. They spent their winters in Florida which holds many happy memories for all. Pat was best known for her witty one-liners, her devotion to family, love of her husband, Al, charitable participation, and the enjoyment and fun she had eating out, at area restaurants, where most knew her on a first name basis! Her favorite sign was hung in the kitchen, “I have a kitchen, it came with the house!”.
The love of her life, Al Olofsson, passed away June 11, 2019, after 69 years of marriage. Life changed dramatically for her, remaining strong, she persevered, even adopting some of Al’s one-liners! Some lives are meant to remain together, all who knew them believe they are now reunited and at peace.