Pat Tozer

As all who knew her can certainly attest, Patricia Tozer took every chance to hold her loved ones close. Her faith was her firm foundation, and she exemplified what it meant to follow the Lord whom she placed her trust in. Pat’s greatest joys were found in moments shared with her family and friends. She was generous with all that she had and constantly went above and beyond to care for those around her in thoughtful, touching ways. Already so missed, Pat will be forever loved.

The early 1930s are remembered as one of the most difficult chapters in history for the United States of America. The Great Depression was in full swing following the devastating stock market crash in 1929. During such a dark time, however, there was hope on the horizon for Nicholas and Anna Haverkamp of Kalamazoo, Michigan, as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their fourth child. Their baby girl, Patricia, was welcomed into the world on November 30 of 1930. She joined her older siblings, Elizabeth, Loren and Marilyn in the family.

Growing up in Kalamazoo during the Great Depression was not always the easiest, but Patricia had nothing but fond memories of her childhood. Her father sold aluminum siding and was involved with a local Dutch newspaper while her mother was a dedicated homemaker. The Haverkamp children got along very well, and Patricia shared a close bond with her siblings from an early age. She was a very pleasant, easygoing girl and did her best to steer clear of conflict. Throughout her formative years, Pat enjoyed her education, and she excelled as a student. She attended local schools, graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1949.

When Pat and Jack began dating, Jack was called to serve in the United States Army during the Korean war. During this time Jack and Pat stayed in touch by exchanging letters. When they were married in 1958, they became nearly inseparable for the next sixty-five years. As spouses, Pat and Jack were role models for what a loving Christian marriage built on mutual respect should look like. They were constantly supporting one another, and Pat absolutely adored her Jack. She was quick to praise him, encourage him, and build him up, and she stood by him as her constant source of strength through all the ups and downs that came their way.

For about 20 years, Pat and Jack owned and worked together to operate the Plaza Bakery in the Eastwood Plaza shopping center. Jack oversaw the baking, and Pat worked at the front and served the customers. She was always grateful that she did not have to get up in the wee hours of the morning, like Jack did. When they weren’t at the bakery, the two were content to enjoy one another’s company and their friends. After working at the bakery, Pat was employed at Gilmore’s department store for many years.

Pat and jack had their beloved dogs over the years to dote on and care for. In their free time, they liked doing puzzles, watching television shows, and having picnics. They enjoyed gardening and had a well landscaped yard. Pat was very knowledgeable in identifying many plants and flowers well before any cell phone could! Pat and Jack could often be found at the beach, and they loved seeing a beautiful sunset. Jack and Pat were music lovers (especially jazz). Over the years they attended many outdoor concerts in the Kalamazoo area. For many years, Pat and Jack traveled throughout the United States including Hawaii. They had a special fondness for the national parks. They escaped the cold each winter for almost forty years at their home in Florida.

Of all the things Pat loved, her family was undoubtedly her greatest treasure. She and Jack were deeply intentional about staying in contact with their loved ones through letters and photographs. Over the years, Pat’s family grew to include several nieces and nephews. Pat was affectionately known by some in the family as “AuntTudy” because as a toddler, she was unable to pronounce Patricia, and it came out as Patudy. She always looked forward to spending quality time with those she loved. Pat and Jack built strong relationships with their neighbors and friends as well. They were a loyal and dependable pair, always willing to lend a helping hand.

It was evident to all that Pat’s faith was at the center of her life, and she strove to live it out in both word and deed. She and Jack led by example, spreading the Gospel through their actions. They were very active within their church homes of Bethel Baptist Church and later Northeastern Baptist Church. The couple also volunteered with Loaves and Fishes. She and Jack enjoyed reading their Bible, nurturing their faith together. She loved classic hymns, and she held her favorite verses, including Joshua 24:15, Psalm 118:24, and Exodus 33:22, close to her heart.

"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)

"When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by." (Exodus 33:22)

A powerful role model of humility and integrity, Pat impacted countless lives through her words of encouragement and selfless service. She radiated peace, kindness and gentleness. She credited her steadfast strength to her deep faith in her Lord and Savior. A devoted wife to Jack for 65 years, Pat loved him fiercely and unconditionally. Although she will be greatly missed, Pat leaves behind a legacy of grace and compassion that will stand as an inspiration to us all.

A special thanks and appreciation to Northwoods Village in Kalamazoo for the love and care that Pat received from staff during the final months of her life.

Patricia Tozer, Age 95, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 19, 2026. She was born on November 30, 1930, in Kalamazoo to Nicholas and Anna Haverkamp. Pat was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years Jack Tozer; her siblings Marilyn (Robert) Olmstead, Elizabeth (Ken) Linneman, and Loren (Joann) Haverkamp. Surviving are her many nieces and nephews.

Please join us for a Life Story Service on Wednesday, August 26th at 11AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900, with visitation one hour prior. A reception will follow in the Life Story center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Private Burial at Grand Prairie Cemetery.

Celebrate Pat’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes.