Patricia H. Tarkowski
1/7/2025 7:06:00 AM - Final Journey

Patricia H. Tarkowski, age 70, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, January 3, 2025 at her residence. The daughter of the late Ernest F. and Olivia M. (Isaac) Walraven, she was born on September 10, 1954 in Bay City. Patty was raised in Essexville and was a graduate of Garber High School. She retired as a Training Coordinator from Saginaw Steering Gear Plant #2 and was a member of U.A.W. #699. Patty was a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, going to MSU football games, taking the occasional trip to the casino and loved visiting Mackinac Island.

Patty is survived by her son, Adam Tarkowski of Essexville; a brother, Alex Walraven; a sister, Barb Walraven (Darryl Morgan); a sister-in-law, Lois Walraven; her in-laws, John and Bonnie Bennett; her beloved dog, GiGi; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. In addition to her parents, Patty was also preceded in death by her daughter, Lily Tarkowski; her partner of 30 years, Dan Close; four brothers, Eugene (Tina) Walraven, Ernest “Buck” Walraven, Bill Walraven and Jerry Walraven; two sisters, Janice Bennett and Judy McLellan; and a sister-in-law, Rose Walraven.

A Celebration of Patty’s Life will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Trahan Funeral Chapel. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The family suggests donations in Patty’s memory to the Lily Marie Tarkowski Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Bay Area Community Foundation. For those wishing to send flowers, Patty's family requests using Paul's Flowers of Bay City.