Patti A. Nyberg

Patti was born on August 14, 1961 in Escanaba, the daughter of Wayne R. and Joyce A. (Farrell) Marmalick. She was baptized on September 10, 1961 at All Saints Catholic Church and lived a life of committed faith as a longtime member of the Covenant Church of Gladstone.

Patti was the fourth of six Marmalick children and was always a kid at heart. She would light up with joy and laughter while sharing stories of wonderful childhood memories, the trials and tribulations of sharing a cozy room with her three sisters, beating the neighborhood boys at sports or anything competitive (much to the satisfaction of her father), and playing hard all day with her siblings and friends in what she would refer to as the “best neighborhood.” One of the all time favorite stories was the time 11 year-old Patti registered herself for a nine mile running race from Van Cleve Park in Gladstone to Ludington Park in Escanaba. She won. And with little fanfare until the evening news, much to the surprise of Joyce and Wayne. Memories of little blonde haired, blue eyed, scrappy Patti Marmalick will live on forever with her siblings and neighborhood buddies at Michigan Avenue and 17th Street.

Patti graduated from Gladstone High School in 1979. On November 13, 1981, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, David L. Nyberg. Patti and Dave made their first home in Howell, Michigan, beginning their journey as a family with children David Matthew, Erik Lloyd, and Kaitlin Mae. In 1990 Patti and Dave moved back to their hometown of Gladstone and settled in at their new beloved home on Wisconsin Avenue where countless cherished memories were shared over the next 35 years. Patti thrived and shined at her home. She had a true gift to make birthdays and holidays very memorable occasions with special decorations, music, and delicious dishes and dessert trays. Patti’s culinary gift was especially coveted at frequent family gatherings. Patti and her siblings had an incredible bond and, together, they created an everlasting gift of family memories among the Marmalick family cousins.

Patti’s greatest virtue was her selfless care for others, especially children. She poured herself into her children’s lives and thrived as a mother and grandmother. She was a wonderful mother and gave tirelessly to ensure that her children were cared for and prepared to build a happy life. She had a special intuition with her children and was always prepared with the right words and intervention to enable their own decisions for life’s important moments.

Patti’s caregiving talent and love of children translated into a long and fulfilling career as a Title I Aide in the Gladstone Area Public Schools. For over 25 years she touched so many lives, caring, inspiring, and advocating for students as if they were her own, especially the most vulnerable. Her most meaningful professional rewards were the smiles, cheerful greetings, and hugs that she would receive from her students, often well into their lives.

Patti’s heart was always big enough for others, but she held the most important part of herself for her loving husband, Dave. Together, they relished the joy of life’s simple pleasures, such as concerts of their favorite musical artists, cross-country road trips, or weekend getaways to the many beautiful locations across the Upper Peninsula, some of which included pit stops to place a wager or two. They were still only kids when they married and started a family. In their younger years, they especially enjoyed camping, live music, Nordic skiing, ice fishing, playing cards, and spending quality time with their friends and family. More recently they found great joy in supporting their children’s and grandchildren’s activities, including athletic pursuits, dance and music recitals, and academic and professional achievements. The sweetness of their time together can only be understood and afforded by years of shared hard work, sacrifice, and pure love for eachother. Together they built a wonderful legacy of family, which was Patti’s most cherished accomplishment.

Over the past twelve years Patti was in her absolute glory as a grandmother. Anybody who spoke with her knew how incredibly proud she was of her seven grandkids. She would light up with joy in discussing their successes and distinctively wonderful traits, which she cherished immensely. The overflowing joy and love that she gave to her family and others was and and will continue to be seen by many as a reflection of her beautiful soul. In addition to the many, many gifts and treats that she would save and provide to her grandkids on every visit, the sweetest and most treasured gifts are the characteristics and talents that made Patti the beautiful person she was. These will be an enduring legacy in the lives of her grandkids, Callen, Vincent, Eleanor, Adeline, Aksel, Harriet, and Hazel, who each possess their own special characteristics of Patti and will carry them throughout their lives.

In her leisure, she enjoyed watching sporting events with Dave and was a longtime fan of the Detroit Tigers, Green Bay Packers, and Michigan State Spartans. She was also a very proud dog mom and enjoyed spending time and goofing around with her “fourth child” and loving companion, Lisi. In her retirement years she developed a talent for online retail, especially Scandinavian children’s clothing, which turned into a business hobby that also helped her to share in the joy of giving to her grandkids.

Patti is survived by her loving husband, David L. Nyberg; children, David M. (Tracy) Nyberg, Erik (Kendra) Nyberg, and Kaitlin (Chris) Bonczyk; grandchildren, Hazel Nyberg, Harriet Nyberg, Aksel Nyberg, Callen Nyberg, Adeline Bonczyk, Eleanor Bonczyk, and Vincent Bonczyk; siblings, Theresa (Rick) LaFleur, Marcia (Clint) Dunathan, Mary (Dennis) Darling, and Matthew (Wendy) Marmalick; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Joyce, as well as her brother, Michael Marmalick.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, February 15, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Covenant Church of Gladstone. Funeral services honoring Patti will begin at 5 p.m. with Pastor Aaron Anderson officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall.

The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Nyberg family and online condolences may be left at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.