Patricia Heyn Obituary

Patricia Louise Heyn, 71, of Bridgman passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Centrica Rose Arbor Place, Kalamazoo, Mich., with her family by her side.

A celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 11, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 9650 N. Church St., Bridgman with the Rev. Dr. Douglas Krengel officiating. Visitation will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bridgman. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Pat was born on Aug. 9, 1953, in Benton Harbor, to Arnold and Mary (Hedges) Benke. She graduated from River Valley High School with the Class of 1971. On May 5, 1973, she married the love of her life, Harold Heyn, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sawyer. Later that same year, they purchased five acres on Gast Road and built the home where they would share 52 wonderful years of marriage.

Pat began her professional career in banking, working in various roles at the Bank of Three Oaks. She later accepted an administrative position with Strefling Insurance. In 1977, Pat and Harold purchased Behnke Disposal from her uncle. Together, they grew the business from a two-person operation into a thriving company employing eight additional team members, which they proudly operated for two decades.

Later, Pat found joy in working as a teacher's aide at Bridgman Elementary School and as the receptionist at Immanuel Lutheran day care and school. A devoted and longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pat lived a life of service. She volunteered with hospice, the Senior Center, and served two terms as a trustee for Lake Township.

She had a love for gardening and took great pride in maintaining her property, especially her beloved geraniums each summer. For many years, she and Harold created a beautiful Christmas display at their home, something she treasured deeply. Above all, Pat cherished the time spent with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Her cabin, lovingly built by Harold, was her happy place.

Pat is survived by her husband of 52 years, Harold Heyn; daughter, Jennifer (Daniel) Pedrazas; grandchildren: Anna Piller and Hugo Pedrazas; brother, Michael (Susan Schmidt) Benke, sister-in-law, Cathy Benke, brother-in-law, Myron Heyn and her beloved dog, Gus.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Benke.